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FRN 7s player, Naca Kinikinilau (aKa “Magic”), to play for Samurai 7s this weekend!

NacaFind Rugby Now is thrilled to announce that one of our star FRN 7s Team player, Naca Kinikinilau (aKa “Magic”), will be joining the elite Samurai 7s squad for the Edinburgh leg of the GB’s tour this weekend.

This opportunity has come about due to the inspiration and connections of FRN 7s coach, Drew Fautley, who spotted Naca’s talents and referred him to the Samurai coaches.

Coach Drew (former coach of the USA National 7s teams) is involved in the organisation of the GB7s Circuit and will be making the trip up to Edinburgh with Naca. Good luck to both!

Naca’s Background

Born in the same village as rugby greats such as Sitiveni Sivivatu and Sakuisa Masi Matadigo, like any Fijian, Naca began rugby from the day he could pick up a ball, and aspired to play professionally from an early age.

Whether it was a game of touch rugby on the beach, or a tournament on a grass pitch, Naca would play the game pretty much every day to hone the infamous side step innate to many Fijians and sharpening his skills.

Due to living in a remote village in Vanua Levu, the second largest island in Fiji, joining a club was difficult, as the nearest was Macuata, a four-hour bus journey away, which is why aged 17 Naca left home and travelled across to Suva, Viti Levu.

Arriving into the capital various coaches recognised Naca’s potential and he joined Waila Club as half-back, however, with finances running low Naca had to return home after six months and continued to played for his village team “Vaga Drifters”.

In late 2012, Naca visited the United Kingdom & whilst over played winger for Exmouth RFC XV, the National 3 side, who were promoted to National 2 at the end of the season.

Once the 15 a-side game ended that season, Naca was keen to play some 7s and joined the Ronin Warriors as play-maker coached by Fiji Rep Emosi Naisarimaki, a team consisting of mainly Fijians in the British Army with a cameo from Waisea Luveniyali. Whilst playing at the Rugby Rocks Leeds tournament Naca was invited to play for the elite team Ronin.

FRN 7s Team

Naca returned to the UK in April of this year and joined the Find Rugby Now 7s team where he has earned the nickname “Magic” for the magical things that he is able to pull off on the pitch.

He is best known for running with the ball in one hand and making unbelievable tackles and passes when under intense pressure.

Naca took part in the Chiswick 7s where he won the FRN Man of the Tournament award and helped the team into the Finals of the Open Competition.

Naca was also a star player of the FRN squad at Bournemouth 7s this past weekend where the team won the Plate in the Beer Cup.

Photos of Naca

Special thanks to Lucy Jordan for her assistance with this article.


About Ellaine

Ellaine is the founder of FRN and author of "Mini and Youth Rugby: Complete Guide for Coaches and Parents" (published October 2015). She has been playing rugby union for over 10 years in the UK and the US for teams including Oxford University Blues, London Wasps, Henley, NOVA, and GWU. She has recently developed a love for rugby 7s and has played on several international rugby 7s teams. She also enjoys playing touch rugby and regularly plays for the FRN Mixed Touch Rugby team. She is passionate about helping others develop a love for rugby. View all posts by Ellaine

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