NEWS
more »Ryder given lifeline by Fiji
The supremely gifted William Ryder has been handed a life-line by the Fiji Rugby Union ahead of the Mini Pacific Games.
Ryder was not considered by Fiji sevens coach Iliesa Tanivula for any tournament this year after the Bua man pulled out of the World Cup squad citing injury and later claiming he was abused by officials at Rugby House.
But the world renowned protégé of former sevens superstar Waisale Serevi has made his peace with the FRU and now, injury free, wants to be let loose on the world stage again.
He was yesterday named in the Fiji squad to start preparing for the Mini Pacific Games. Ryder's return will ultimately boost Tanivula's choices for the 2009-2010 IRB Sevens World Series.
FRU acting chief executive Keni Dakuidreketi said, "He (Ryder) is remorseful and has realised what he did was wrong."
"We all hope he is ready to take this chance and play for Fiji. It is now between the coach and the player."
Ryder made his debut in Fiji’s victorious 2005 World Cup campaign and was a potent force on the IRB Sevens circuit for the following few years before being hampered by injury and a loss of form. His participation in sevens has also been limited due to his professional commitments with leading Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.
Fiji Training Squad for Mini Pacific Games
Forwards: Luke Uluiburotu (Nasolo Young Boys), Mosese Vatunitu (Bure), Pio Tuwai , Sean Morell, Jolame Bera, Isei Lewaqai, Asaeli Boko, (Nadroga), Masi Naoma (Nasolo Young Boys), Jerry Burotu, Suli Ramasima, Lino Saunitoga, Waqabaca Kotobalavu, Turuva Lumelume, Epeli Natuikata (Nadroga), William Rasileka
Backs: Nemani Keavali (Nasolo Young Boys), Emosi Vucago, Peni Rokodiva, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, William Ryder (Bure), Opeti Balenavanua (Nasolo Young Boys), Nasoni Roko, Watisoni Votu, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Joeli Lutumailagi, Neumaia Cakacaka, Osea Kolinisau, Orisi Sareki, Sikeli Vuruna (Suva), Vima Tuidraki, Dan Rawaqa
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Flickr
COMMENTS
Stewart Turton Fri 28 Aug 2009 14:32
Great news. It would be awesome to have this man back on the circuit. Let's hope he makes the team!
Reply | Report this PostJeremy Ourneymen Fri 28 Aug 2009 16:56
I agree, the IRB Sevens could with some more x-factor type stars to get people off their feet, he was a real character that got people talking about 7s...the game has moved on though be interesting to see whether he has the same impact he had in 06...
Reply | Report this PostCape Fear 7s Sat 29 Aug 2009 10:56
to be honest what i look forward to if Ryder does play is when gets smashed by someone, absolutely written off. Its a larger part of the game now and its the area that Ryder has struggled with in 15s. i am certain he can dance but can he get up from a big hit and continue to dance. If he cant handle the contact I am sure he will dazzle again, if he can't then maybe we can thank him for the memories of 06. He also won't have Serevi anymore so the preussure cooker of Fiji 7s will be firmly on him. Big Risk but Big Reward. It will be a very interesting story to watch
Reply | Report this PostVR Singh Sat 29 Aug 2009 14:52
Would love to see him back at 7's and hopefully he would get a 15's contract in NZ instead of Japan, the land of the lost great rugby players
Reply | Report this PostGeoheneallert Fri 11 Mar 2011 09:11
how to make your peni bigger
Reply | Report this PostKevrel Mon 11 Apr 2011 02:11
fkFuWU THX that's a great answer!
Reply | Report this PostPOST A COMMENT