Rokobaro enjoys drills at dunes

Fiji Times - Thursday, April 17, 2008 8:01 AM

AUSTRALIA-based Alex Rokobaro is determined to make Fiji proud at the International Rugby Board Junior World Cup in Wales in June.

Rokobaro is one of the eight overseas players roped in by coach Rayne Simpson to boost Fiji's bid against the likes of Australia, England and Canada whom they will face in pool play.

The 18-year-old Marist College student was spotted by Simpson in Australia.

Rokobaro said he didn't know what to expect before arriving in Fiji.

The utility got his first taste of the torrid training session as the Junior Flying Fijians hit the sand dunes in Kulukulu in Sigatoka on Tuesday.

Rokobaro said training at the sand dunes was tough but enjoyed every moment.

"It will definitely help in my fitness," quipped the youngster.

"My mother paid my air fare to get to Fiji. My father Ben hails from Yasawa though I haven't been there. So when I first came in I didn't know what to expect. However, things have turned out well. "

The Junior Flying Fijians ended their training camp in Sigatoka yesterday.

According to Simpson there is still a lot of work to be done ahead of the tournament in wales which kicks off on June 7.

He said the sand dune session was part of the team's building and conditioning program.

"Apart from the physical challenges, the other important thing is to start team bonding," Simpson said.

"The fitness level of players is improving. However, there is a need to put more work in between camps. I'm hopeful the boys will stick to their training program out of camp."

Simpson said the next camp will be held in Suva starting on April 28.

Fiji will play England in on June 7 in Newport, meets Australia on June 11 and against Canada on June 11. Fiji U20 squad:Forwards-Saula Qalomai, Seru Tabaiwalu Cakobau, Penijamini Makutu, Serupepeli Qaranivalu, Jeke Lalai , Manasa Saulo, Alexander Mar, Tevita Tuiloa, Unaloto Ofa, Temo Vakaloloma Cama, Waqabaca Kotobalavu, Levula, Jese Cirikisuva, Uraia Vecenadavui, Samu Vunisa, Sireli Kaloucava. Backs: Peni Rokodiva, Vuga Tagicakibau, Alexander Rokobaro, Anare Vakawaletabua, Kasami Natubavivi, John Stewart, Eroni Tara, Isikeli Vuruna, Kolinio Vunaki, Venaia Navutovuto, Seremaia Tagicakibau, Henry Speight , William Umu, Pate Buto, Kini Murimurivalu, William Saukuru, and Sakiusa Malai.