Army 7s Player Profiles

Season 2011

Lance Corporal Gerhard Wessels Royal Engineers – Army 7s Captain

Position: Centre; Height: 5ft 10ins; Weight: 14 st 2lbs; Age: 28

Born in Cape Town South Africa Gerhard represented Boland U21, Kraaifontain RFC at U21 and Senior levels and in 2001 was selected to play for South Africa U21 at centre. He quickly became part of the highly successful Sappers’ Corps team and joined the Senior Army squad in 2007. He has earned six Army caps and has twice represented the Combined Services against the Barbarians. Gerhard, a natural ball carrier, has a great turn of speed and the sort of vision that earmarked him as a fine 7s player. He has great leadership skills and represented the British Army at the 2008 and 2009 Middlesex 7s. Voted Player of the Championship at the recent National 7s.

Lance Corporal Apolosi Satala – 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland

Position: Back Row; Height: 6ft 2ins; Weight: 18st 0lbs; Age: 29

Apolosi, a talisman of Army rugby, hails from Lautoka and is one of four brothers who have played rugby for Fiji. This season he captained his country against Romania. He was a member of the Army winning teams at the Middlesex 7s in both 2001 and 2004. He has exceptional speed and a fine try scoring record, whether playing in the backs or on the flank. He represented Fiji in the 2009 Rugby World Cup 7s in Dubai. He has a winner’s medal from the Hong Kong 7s in 2005. He is the man for the big occasion.

Lance Corporal Joe Kava – Royal Logistic Corps

Position: Utility Forward; Height: 6ft 4in; Weight: 17st 8lbs; Age: 30

Joe Kava has represented the Army Sevens team in Dubai, New York, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok and Singapore, where in 2004 he was named the ‘Player of the Tournament’. He won his first senior Army cap against the RAF in 2007 and was arguably the Services’ player of the match against the Barbarians in 2008. He played with distinction for the ‘Help for Heroes’ International XV at Twickenham and represented the winning Combined Services XV against the Barbarians in 2009, very shortly after having returned from overseas. Joe is now back firing on all cylinders, he is essentially a ‘Route 1′ player and had a very good National 7s series. An experienced Twickenham man.

Private Jack Prasad 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland

Position: Fly Half; Height: 5ft 8ins; Weight: 12st 12lb; Age: 27

Jack Prasad came to the British Army as a ‘full ticket’ No10 having already won nine caps for Fiji. He is a mercurial fly half whose first option is always to attack. Although he is a prominent ball carrier Jack has the instinct to know when to release for a wider attack and allow his backs to flourish. He combined elegantly with Gerhard Wessels in the four rounds of the National 7s series and in Summer 2010 found an extra yard of top speed. He only returned from ‘ops’ in Afghanistan in April and represented Fiji at the IRB 7s Edinburgh in May.

Lance Corporal Malakai Magnus – Royal Logistic Corps

Position: Right Wing; Height: 5ft 8ins; Weight: 13st 5lb; Age: 28

‘Maggie’ joined the Army in 2002 and is currently employed as a Port Operator with 17 Regiment, Marchwood. He has completed tours in Iraq and the Falkland Islands. He is very quick and elusive and came to prominence via the Army Sevens team in 2006 when he excelled in the prestigious Singapore Sunshine Sevens. He won his first Army Senior XV cap v RAF in 2007and scored a try for good measure. He has represented the Combined Services v Barbarians and took them on at the running game. Maggie is a key Army 7s player who can turn on the gas in an instant.

Sapper Gus Qasevakatini – Royal Engineers

Position; Utility Back; Height: 5ft 9ins; Weight: 12st-8lbs; Age: 23

Gus is lightening quick with a unpredictable shift off either foot. He attended the Lelean School, represented Tailevu Province with an U18 trial for Fiji. He trained on IT before joining the Army in 2007. He is currently a member of 3 RSME and having finished training as a Resource Specialist-lots more IT– is looking forward to his first ‘Ops’ posting. He was one of the top try scorers in the four rounds of the National 7s competition. He has five full Army caps and represented the 2009 Combined Services against the Baa-Baas. Bit of a pop-star back home!

Private Maika Burenivalu – Royal Logistic Corps

Position: Back; Height: 5ft 8ins; Weight: 12st-8lbs; Age: 27

Bunny has been part of the Army 7s squad for five years. He was born in Nadi, attended the Ratu Navula School and Nadi College before joining the British Army. He is a specialist with 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, Marchwood and has seen operational service in Iraq. He is built for Sevens-wide vision, great hands, quick feet and an enviable top speed . He can tackle. He has developed greatly in the presence of the current British Army team and has no hesitation in pinning his ears back-as he did in the Middlesex at Twickenkam in 2009 when he skinned London Irish from his own try line. Bunny is married to Alena and they have two children.

Lance Corporal Sikeli Ratubuli – Royal Regiment Of Fusiliers

Position: Back; Height: 6ft 0in; Weight: 13st-5lbs; Age: 23

Sikeli Ratubuli hails from Suva where he attended Dudley High School. He has served with the 1st Battalion in Iraq. Sikeli has size and speed and as a utility back can play either in the fast lane or as a plotter / sweeper. He has strong awareness, runs exciting lines and enjoys typically Fijian ball skills. Having been first blooded at Bournemouth 2010 he is, via extensive exposure during the four rounds of the National 7s, maturing nicely as possibly the Young Player of the Year. Hobbies include country and western and just going for a run!

Sapper Inosi Laqekoro – Royal Engineers

Position: Utility Forward; Height: 6ft-0ins; Weight: 16 stone 2 lbs; Age: 26

Inosi (Knoxy) Laqekoro, currently serving in Germany, was born in Nadi, Fiji. He attended that rugby hot house, the Lelean Memorial School which numbers, amongst its former pupils the Satala brothers. He studied at the Fiji Institute of Technology prior to joining the Army and was a ‘shoe in’ for the Royal Engineers. ‘Knoxy’ is probably one of the most exciting players to emerge this season and made a considerable impact both starting and as an impact player during the National 7s. A forward, who has the size and speed to do damage in the backs, he is a straight runner in attack and a persistent ball hunter in defence-he never gives up!

Lance Corporal Alipate Vakasawaqa – Royal Engineers

Position: Utility Back; Height: 5ft 9ins; Weight: 12st 3lbs; Age 30

‘Zak’ was born in Suva and, like Apo Satala, attended the Lelean High School. He left school having won a place at the Fiji Institute of Technology where he studied architecture. He played rugby for the Suva Provincial Colts and in 1998 toured Zimbabwe with the Fiji U19 team. He joined the British Army in 2002 and, posted to the then ‘Dukes’, he soon found himself in Iraq. He has played for the British Army (Germany) at XVs and Sevens and has now joined the Senior Army 7s Squad. Zak is currently stationed in Waterbeach and is accompanied by his wife Kalolaini and two sons.

Private Anare Lagilagi – Royal Logistic Corps

Position: Forward; Height: 6ft 4ins; Weight: 16st 2lbs; Age 25

Having served in Iraq on Operation Telic ‘Langi’ knows the importance of soldier’s mail from home which he now handles on an Army scale at RAF Northolt. He was born in Suva and attended the Gospel High School. Having gained representative honours at U23 level he is now seeking a place in the Army 7s squad. He can put pace on his 16 stone frame, is an excellent ball handler and shields the ball well during off-load. He lives with his wife Asena in London.

Lance Corporal Viliame Bose – Royal Logistic Corps

Position: Forward; Height: 6ft 0ins; Weight: 15st 7lbs; Age 36

‘Bossi’ hails from Suva where he attended the Nilsen High School. He is a member of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC, has seen operational service in Iraq and completed a tour in the Falkland Islands. He came to the fore when scoring the long range winning try in the final of the Army Sevens Challenge Cup with seconds left of a gruelling match. He loves training and in his spare time has sufficient energy for basketball at a high level. He lives with his wife Eva and two children near Southampton.

Lance Corporal Alosio Yamoyamo – Queen’s Royal Lancer

Position: Forward; Height: 6ft 3ins; Weight: 14st 2lbs; Age: 28

‘Yamo’ burst onto the British Army 7s scene with stunning performance at the West Country Sevens. His great experience on the volleyball court provided the Army team with additional aerial power as he plucked the ball out of the air whilst still running in attack. He hails from Ra (Fiji) and attended the Ra High School where he received an excellent grounding in rugby sevens. On joining the Queen’s Royal Lancers he saw early service in Iraq as a tank gunner. He is now a member of the Army recruiting team in the Stafford area. In quieter moments he enjoys Gospel and RNB music with this wife Bolou.

Lance Corporal Isoa Damudamu – Royal Logistic Corps

Position: Forward; Height: 6ft 5ins; Weight: 15st 6lbs; Age: 29

Damu’ is, unusually, an England 7s rugby international having qualified via residency. England coach Ben Ryan labelled him as probably the best sevens forward in the world. He attended the Nasinu Secondary School in Suva where he graduated with honours. He deployed with the Highlanders Battle Group to Bosnia in 2003. A natural sportsman who developed his rugby in the Army Academy teams where in 2002 he scored five tries against the RAF at Aldershot. It was as a 7s player that he initially made his name at senior level when the Army won the 2004 Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham. Damu thrives on the big stage. His handling skills are legendary, he has the speed of a back and a wonderful curving run to the posts. Currently injured and hoping for a call to the Commonwealth Games he is helping Alfred set the tone.

CORPORAL TUVITA TAMATAWALE – 6 REGT RLC

Position: Fly Half; Height: 180cm; Weight: 87kgs; Age: 33
Town Born: Suva, Fiji

Tuvita was spotted during BA(G) 7s this year during a visit by the coaching team on the request from Colonel Harrison. A true athlete who has an exceptional work rate to deliver, more importantly he never gives up until the final whistle. An experienced soldier with a mature outlook who has recently returned from operations, Tuvita has quickly established a place in the team where I am sure he will remain for many years to come. In his past time he plays volleyball and supports his favorite team – Bath Rugby. He is married to Maria with two children Ulamila and Eparama.

CORPORAL GRAHAM MANSFIELD – 2 ROYAL WELSH

Position: Wing; Height: 5ft 8ins; Weight: 76kgs; Age: 24;

Graham (nicked named Arthur or Pumbaa) was born in the heart of Welsh rugby in Bridgend where he started playing rugby at school at the age of eight as he decided football wasn’t for him! A proud Welshman, you will only see the back of him as he projects himself down the wing like a lightening strike. However, he is noticed for his blonde hair in the crowd which appears to be natural, but the rumour has it the sun bed bleaches the hair! He is a proud family man who is married to Tina with a son called Callum who both supports Wales and England. Graham wants to solidify his place on the wing and score more tries for the team.

LANCE CORPORAL MORGAN EVANS – 2 ROYAL WELSH

Position: Scrum Half; Height: 5ft 0.23ins; Weight: 64kgs; Age: 20;

Morgan who is never seen alone (note the nickname of Tymone) is a true Welsh character who has made an impact to the team. The man who is on overdrive once he has woken up is a hard man to tackle and stop on the pitch, his running lines, focus and dogged determination makes him an ideal scrum half which can be heard both on and off the pitch. Married to Nikki with a child on the way, the team hopes that everything will go well for the coming months. Being a passionate Caerphilly man, his favorite teams are Bedwas, Bath and England (we are all shocked with that choice!).

PRIVATE SAM MANTAGUE – 17 PORT & MARITIME REGT RLC

Position: Prop; Height: 6ft 2ins; Weight: 110kgs; Age: 25;

Sam (who is known as Monty, Barry or Shaggy) hails from Coventry and was educated at the Woodlands Sports College. With rugby in his blood, he has played civilian rugby in Coventry and Birmingham as well as representing Warwickshire and the Midlands. He has played both rugby codes as well as showing his talents on the ice rink playing ice hockey for Coventry. Spotted during the Army 7s Competition, he was invited to come to the trials in Aldershot. A talented player who has pace for a man of his size has made an impact both on and off the pitch. His favourite team is Birmingham after playing for them and most recently Mexico. Never the one to sit back and relax, you will always find him leading the team anytime of the day doing the Monty workout.

CORPORAL ALEX SWANN – 23 PIONEER REGIMENT

Position: Utility Back; Height: 5ft 9ins; Weight: 15stone; Age 28

Alex is a player who has been with the Army 7s team for the last 4 years, a talented all round back, he has an ability to find space and exploit the gaps, but more impressively he has a mature head that will remain calm in the most difficult conditions. Born in Suva, Fiji, rugby was in his blood from the start, however, he does have a passion for sport and you will see him playing rugby, football and volleyball. To relax, Alex likes to listen to Reggie music in his spare time and relaxes with his family when not at work or playing rugby. His favorite team when asked will always be Fiji and Bath Rugby, Alex knows his rugby it appears!

SIGNALLER SAVENACA DAMUDAMU – 12 MECH BRG & SIG SQN

Position: Utility; Height: 1m 83cm; Weight: 90kgs; Age: 32;

Savenaca (or more commonly known as Damu) has been around for a number of years gaining recognition playing both codes, he may have lost a yard but he has pace and knows how to find the gaps, but more importantly he knows how to exploit them. One of the Army’s sporting athletes, he enjoys most sports including volleyball, cricket and of course rugby, however he can’t be knocked as his favorite rugby teams are Fiji and Bath Rugby. In his pastime he enjoys relaxing listening to Reggie and Fijian music were he can be heard singing both in and out of the shower.

PRIVATE APOROSIA MASICOLA – 2 ROYAL WELSH

Position: Prop; Height: 1m 89cm; Weight: 95kgs; Age: 23;

Aporosia is one of the gentle giants of the game, standing over 6’3” with the skill set of a running leopard and the tackling power of a rhino; he has the ball skill that any player would be proud to have within their toolbox. Born in Labasa, Fiji, he enjoys most sports within the Army and being posted to R Welsh his passion for rugby is supported along with his relaxing sport of volleyball (he never needs to jump over the net!). Other than playing rugby, Aporosia likes to listen to Fijian and Reggie music and relaxes watching sport both at home in Fiji and local rugby where it is heard that his favorite team is Bath Rugby.