Prop Lee-Roy Atalifo has vowed to make Fiji and the National Fire Authority (NFA) proud at the Rugby World Cup next month in England.

The 27-year-old was farewelled by colleagues and staff of the NFA in Walu Bay, Suva yesterday.

“I’m ready to play for my country and the NFA,” he said.

“This is a proud moment for me to be farewelled by my colleagues,” Atalifo said.

“I’m deeply touched.

“Being a firefighter helped me a lot to discipline myself and also assisted greatly in my fitness which resulted in my selection.

“This is a huge milestone for me and I will cherish it forever.

“I’m looking forward to play at the RWC and to make the country and the people of Fiji proud,” Atalifo said.

The chief executive officer of NFA John O’Connor was proud of Atalifo.

“We have had previous Flying Fijians in the likes of Leone Tabuarua and Waisea Matewai but Atalifo is the first to make it to the World Cup.

“More importantly he is only one of the two local players selected into the team and in the position of a prop,” O’Connor sad.

“This is a great achievement for Leeroy and we are so proud of him.

“The accomplishment of our firefighters is also an accomplishment by the NFA,” O’Connor said.

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