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Jope Tuikabe
Jope Tuikabe (born 27 November 1966) is a Fijian former rugby union and rugby sevens player. He played as a flanker. He has played for Fiji sevens since 1996.[1] One year later, he was called up for the 1997 Rugby World Cup Sevens, which the Fijians won.[2] He was elected as a star of tournament's team.[3] Following the tournament, Post Fiji issued a series of stamps commemorating the winning team, which also included Waisale Serevi, Taniela Qauqau, Leveni Duvuduvukula, Inoke Maraiwai, Aminiasi Naituyaga, Lemeki Koroi, Marika Vunibaka, Luke Erenavula and Manasa Bari.[4][5] However, the Fijians did not manage to defend their title at the 2001 Rugby World Cup Sevens, as they were eliminated in the semi-finals of the main tournament after losing to Australia.[6] Overall, Tuikabe scored nine tries in both of these tournaments.[7] He appeared twice in the Commonwealth Games: in Kuala Lumpur 1998[8][9] and Manchester 2002,[10] winning a silver medal in both tournaments after their final defeats against New Zealand.[11] He, however won the rugby sevens tournament at the 2001 World Games.[12] He also took part at the IRB Sevens World Series during the 1999/2000,[13][14] 2000/2001[15] and 2001/2002[16] seasons. During three years of appearances in the rugby union squad, he played in 20 matches, including 17 official international matches, scoring 15 points - all tries.[17][18] In 2001, thanks to his performances in both squads, he was awarded the Player of the Year Award.[19] He was a soldier by profession[20] and trained the Army rugby sevens team,[21][22] and at international level he was in the coaching staff as assistant coach[23][24] or head coach.[25][26] References
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