It was a dream come true for Iliavi Masori when he joined the Fiji men’s rugby sevens training squad for the second time.

Hailing from the village of Toge in Ba, he is the young brother of Fiji men’s rugby sevens winger and Paris Olympic Games silver medallist Jioji Nasove.

“I never dreamt that I’ll be in the national sevens team and I’m thankful to my family for their massive support,” Masori said.

“I played for the Dominion Brothers Under-21 squad and then I got selected for the national (training) squad before I was dropped due to injuries.”

Masori said he is appreciative of the second chance that was given to him.

“It is my second time and I’m really happy about the training even though it’s intense. It’s been a pleasure to be able to train and play with my elder brother Nasova.”

Masori said he kept on pushing hard in his rugby journey despite setbacks like injuries.

“There is a difference between the coaching style of Ben Gollings and Osea Kolinisau. Coach Osea often advised us on our diet and we learn a lot from him during our training.”

Masori is hopeful that he’ll make his debut at the Dubai Sevens tournament, which is from November 30- December 1.

“If the opportunity is given, I’ll take it with both hands. “I’ll try to improve on my weaknesses on the field and try to change the way I approach the game.”

Masori said he was grateful for the advice Nasova had given him.

“He told me not to return to the village and continue to work hard to further my rugby career.

END WINLESS RUN 

Meanwhile, the Fiji men’s sevens team has set a target to win the Dubai 7s tournament and end their winless run in the HSBC SVNS.

This was the comment of veteran utility player Suliano Volivoli in his interview with SUNsports yesterday.

“We faced a lot of challenges, but we continue to persevere in our preparation,” he said.

“We want to win the Dubai tournament as it’s been a long time Fiji have not won it, so this squad is eager to win it.”

Volivoli said Kolinisau often advised them to be physically and mentally prepared

“He (Kolinisau) often tells us not to easily lose hope and the win starts in training before we go and win in Dubai.”

Volivoli said the team has gelled well with a mixture of new and experienced players.

“The boys have been training for three months now and there’ll be one week left till we head off to Dubai. “We’ll be participating at the Mataso tournament so players can get game time before the Dubai tournament.”

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj