Osborne shines, capital lift 7s title

The Fiji Times - Saturday, November 07, 2009 7:20 PM

CHRISTCHURCH bound Patrick Osborne, has secured a three-year contract with the New Zealand power-house Canterbury for the New Zealand Provincial Championship next season.

The star flyer starred for Suva One as they overcome Ratu Filise 31-29 in the Cup final of the Suva 7s Series at the tfl National Stadium.

He displayed speed and strength against his opposite, rugby league winger, Joe Ravueta to dot down two tries for the capital side.

The former Queen Victoria School U18 rugger was named the player of the tournament and would soon leave our shores to join Canterbury.

Osborne preferred not to discuss the contract after it was announced during the presentation yesterday.

Suva One coach Kalisito Tunaulu was impressed with the performance of the speedster.

Tunaulu said Osborne would surely develop his rugby skills with the New Zealand provincial giant.

"He is also going to New Zealand. He is a very good player. Pat (Osborne) is an all round player, he has the speed and defended pretty well."

Osborne was quite disappointed with his fitness for the two-day tournament.

"The tournament was good, but I was not really fit. My coach has to send a substitute for me during the quarter-final and semi. That helped me out in the final."

Osborne said he was surprised to be named the player of the tournament but was just giving his best to help his team book their spot in the Digicel Suva Rugby Festival in January.

He showed his speed to outpace Ravueta twice in the final.
Osborne and his Suva team flies out of the country on Tuesday for Tahiti.