Jeremaia Matana is ready to lead the national side again at the HSBC SVNS Perth leg if given the nod by head coach Osea Kolinisau.

The 26-year-old captained the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in the opening two tournaments of the 2024/2025 series last month.

Matana said the call by Kolinisau to captain at the Dubai and Cape Town 7s was a pleasant surprise.

“I’m ready to lead again if given the chance,” the Waitabu, Taveuni man said.

“I’ll await the final selection for Perth 7s.

“I never dreamt to be selected captain one day, it was unexpected.

“I was happy with the call coach made; it boosted me to lift my game to another level.

“I don’t know what he saw in me but he knew that I was capable of leading the side.”

Matana is on the Fiji 7s team at the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament which kicks off today at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

He added that the three-day tournament would prepare them best for Perth with the caliber of teams in the tournament including two New Zealand sides, Australia Sevens Select and the top local sevens clubs.

“We transitioned from our DTE (daily training exercise) during the festive season to the Coral Coast sevens training, preparations was on track.

“My focus right now is to work on my speed and defense.

“Playing at the Coral Coast 7s will be similar to playing in the series with the teams that are here.

“It’s our home turf and we will do anything to defend it.”

The Fiji 7s side is drawn in Pool A with New Zealand Sevens Two, Tuva and Brothers.

The final team to Perth on January 24-26 will be named on Saturday following the final match at the tournament.

Meanwhile, Matana was part of the Fiji sevens team that won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, won gold at the 2022 Rugby Sevens World Cup and also won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj