From Fiji Village (7 September 2011)

Fatiaki out to learn more at RWC

Ravai Fatiaki

His performance in the Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup earned him a contract for the Worcester team next season and for Ravai Fatiaki, he still looks up to senior players to learn from them in the Rugby World Cup.

The 24 year old who can play at inside and outside center, is from the island of Rotuma but has maternal links to Tailevu where he grew up and attended Lelean Memorial School - which groomed him in his secondary school days as a flyhalf.

After leaving Lelean, Ravai played for Tailevu in the provincial rugby with Iliesa Keresoni and made his debut in the national 15's team against Japan in the PNC in 2009.

Although he missed selection to the Northern hemisphere tour in the 2009 and 2010 season, he did not give up on his hope of wearing the Fiji colors again.

At the start of this year, Ravai moved from Tailevu to Naitasiri where Fiji assistant coach, Joji Rinakama guided him to be in the Fiji Warriors team for the PRC before he was selected for the PNC tournament.

Ravai's performance in the win against Samoa playing alongside Nicky Little was rewarded when he was given a chance to face the All Blacks in the Test in July.

Still counting himself as an understudy to Seremaia Bai, Ravai said he will be happy in whatever role he can play for Fiji at the RWC, knowing that Gabby Lovobalavu and Albert Vulivuli are also in the running for the number 12 and 13 jumper.

Fiji's opening pool game is against Namibia this Saturday at 3.30pm and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti FM with the new voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and 2007 World Cup coach, Ilivasi Tabua.

Meanwhile, the United States rugby World Cup squad will attend a church service to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, just hours before their first match.

The team confirmed to Rugby World Cup organisers they will attend a 1pm service on Sunday.

US coach Eddie O'Sullivan said the big task for him on Sunday would be ensuring his players emotions did not get the better of them as they remember the attacks on New York and Washington, which killed almost 3000 people.

USA takes on Ireland at 6pm on Sunday.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi