Groom new skipper: Rauluni

Fiji Times - Monday, February 11, 2008 7:15 AM

FIJI skipper Mosese Rauluni says it is time a new skipper and halfback is groomed in the build-up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rauluni, who led Fiji to the quarter-final of the RWC in France last October, was on Friday named the Fiji Sports Council Sportsman of the Year (2007).

Rauluni, 32, said he had played his part for Fiji and it was time a youngster was given more game time to build the base for the Flying Fijians in 2011.

"I think it is time to develop someone over the next couple of years," Rauluni said.

The Fiji Rugby Union is in the process of inviting players who featured against Wales and South Africa in the RWC to play in the Pacific Nations Cup.

This is solely for home matches against Samoa on June 6 at Churchill Park and New Zealand Maori on June 14 at the Post Fiji Stadium.

"I spoke to Ilivasi last week but I said there were no guarantees I would come back," Rauluni told Times Sport from England yesterday.

"I just want to have a rest and concentrate on club and spending more time with my wife, who has made a lot of sacrifices for me."

Tabua said he had spoken to Rauluni and while they would like the Qarani native, from Gau, to feature again this season, he would respect whatever decision the Saracens player made.

"Moji played very well last season and we have been talking to him but there is no way we will force him," Tabua said.

"He has to think about his family as well as his wife had recently given birth."

Rauluni and wife Maile celebrated the arrival of daughter, Isabella

Rauluni said he only found out on Friday about the sports awards and he was happy but there were not much celebration.

"Didn't do much celebration. I only found out through Henry Elder that I was nominated," Rauluni said.

Rauluni recently signed a two-year deal with his Saracens Rugby Club.

The scrumhalf will stay with the Sarries until 2010.

Rauluni, 32, joined Saracens in 2004 from Brisbane Easts and he's made 65 appearances for the club during that time.

He has featured in three World Cups for his country and played in all of the combined Pacific Islands Tests.