Koyamaibole wants a repeat performance
Apart from veteran, Nicky Little who is playing in his 4th RWC, Koyamaibole is the only other player making his third appearance in the 15s rugby world stage since making his debut 10 years ago in 2001 against Samoa.
Koyamaibole was one of the few local Fijian players to be selected for the 2003 World Cup and in 2004 where he moved to Number 8 and he also played for the Pacific Islanders team.
He was then given a contract with New Zealand club Counties Manakau.
He played every test for Fiji between 2001 and 2004, however between 2005 and 2007 Koyamaibole did not play any Tests for Fiji after some disagreement with former coach Wayne Pivac.
In the 2007 RWC Koyamaibole was one of the most experienced members, one of only four players to have had more than 30 caps at the time and was also part of the national team that knocked Wales out of the tournament by winning 38-34, and who also played in Fiji’s first quarter final at a World Cup since 1987.
At overseas club level, he has represented Taranaki, Padova in Italy, Toulon, and currently plays for Sale Sharks.
For the 30 year old who is known for his physical approach in carrying the ball forward, he has set his target in trying to reach the quarter final in NZ.
Fiji’s opening pool game is against Namibia this Saturday at 3.30pm and again you can catch the exclusive live commentary on our sister station Viti FM with the new voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and 2007 World Cup coach, Ilivasi Tabua.
Story by: Dhanjay Deo
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