The TMC Naboutini rugby side made it back to the Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament after a five-year lapse.

This was revealed to SUNsports yesterday by team head coach Setefano Naitonicagi after their second pool match.

“It feels good to be back,” he said.

“The competition has risen to a whole new level and we are excited about it.”

Naitonicagi said despite a few areas of concern, he is happy with the progress made.

“Big improvements were shown today. In our first game, we made a lot of mistakes but it is good they (boys) have finally learnt new things.”

Naitonicagi said sevens rugby is a high pace game and they have to utilise every chance they get.

“Every team comes here to win. We need to adapt and learn quickly if we are to stay and fight in the competition,” he added.

Naitonicagi said the players worked together so they could play in the tournament.

“We did not have any sponsor. It is the sheer determination and sacrifice of the boys that made it possible for us to be here.

“We will keep on fighting right to the last game and that’s the beauty of sevens,” he added.

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