Nakoci’s return marks a remarkable recovery

Fijiana 7s robust winger Alowesi Nakoci will be a player to watch when she makes her Rugby Sevens World Cup debut this weekend and it will mark a remarkable recovery for the Olympic bronze medallist.

Nakoci was hospitalised in June after she was stabbed while trying to stop an argument between two people in Suva.

She subsequently missed the Commonwealth Games but has returned to the Fijiana squad for the show-piece tournament in South Africa.

Fijiana coach Saiasi Fuli says Nakoci’s return will add the spark that the girls are missing.

Nakoci had been in prolific form in the 2022 Series, scoring 23 tries including 15 in her last 12 appearances for the Fijiana.

The Fijiana will take on Japan at 11.17pm tomorrow.