He was arrested for alleged drink driving at the Nadi Temple checkpoint on the night of December 14; the accused is scheduled to appear at the Nadi Magistrate’s Court on February 17, 2025 for the first call.
iji Airways Fiji men’s forward Kavekini Tanivanuakula during the team’s training session on January 7, 2025.
Photo: Leon Lord
Despite being charged for drink and driving, Fiji men’s sevens forward Kavekini Tanivanuakula is still in contention for a place at the Perth 7s at the end of this month.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau confirmed this during the squad’s training session on Tuesday.
He said that the former Natabua High School student marched into camp with fellow teammates to prepare for the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament next week.
Tanivanuakula debuted for the national side at the Dubai 7s last month; he was also part of the team at the Cape Town leg.
He was arrested for alleged drink driving at the Nadi Temple checkpoint on the night of December 14; the accused is scheduled to appear at the Nadi Magistrate’s Court on February 17, 2025 for the first call.
“We talked about it especially being a debutant and the importance of decision making.
“I sat him down and told him that he is not the same Tanivanuakula that has played for Fiji and a lot of people see him now,” Kolinisau said.
“I indicated that playing for Fiji comes with a lot of responsibility and he is a role model now. He has learnt from it and I’m seeing a lot of change from him.”
Kolinisau emphasised to his players the need to be good role models for the younger generation.
“Our standard is all about showing and being a good role model,’ he said.
“We need to treat everyone with kindness and respect; we also are respectable.”
Meanwhile, Kolinisau will name his side that will leave for Australia at the conclusion of the three-day tournament; Perth 7s is from January 24-26.
sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
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