Nanai-Seturo given opportunity to pursue Olympic dream

Etene Nanai-Seturo will shift into the 2019/2020 All Blacks Sevens campaign with his sights focussed on the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The talented Counties Manukau winger had been selected for the Gallagher Chiefs following a year on the World Rugby Sevens circuit with the All Blacks Sevens. His skilful footwork led to him scoring two tries on debut for the Gallagher Chiefs in their first Investec Super Rugby game of the season against the Highlanders earlier this year.

Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins said it is a fantastic opportunity for Nanai-Seturo to pursue.

“The Chiefs Rugby Club and Gallagher Chiefs are incredibly supportive of the All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens quest for gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games. We know that Clark and Allan both run outstanding programmes and environments,” said Collins.

“Warren and I are delighted for Etene to have the chance to chase the Olympic dream. It is an incredible opportunity for rugby players to attend one of the world’s pinnacle sporting events. Etene is a talented young player and demonstrated his fantastic attacking ability for the Gallagher Chiefs this year. He has already achieved success with the All Blacks Sevens side winning gold at the Commonwealth Games last April,” said Collins.

Nanai-Seturo is one of four Investec Super Rugby players who have shifted their focus to the Tokyo Olympics campaign. Others include Caleb Clarke (Blues, Auckland), Salesi Rayasi (Hurricanes, Auckland) and Scott Gregory (Highlanders, Northland).

Nanai-Seturo will join the All Blacks Sevens squad after his Mitre 10 Cup commitments with Counties Manukau at the end of this year.