Josua Tuisova was working on a cane field with his brothers when he saw a big plane fly high. It was then when his father Sikeli Ratulevu told them that one day they would fly in that flight with success.

Narrating this story to the villagers of Votua in Ba during the Rio gold winning Rugby 7s team player, Tuisova’s welcome and thanksgiving ceremony, Ratulevu turned into tears of joy and success. Now not only his son but his wife, Lusia Ratulevu will also be travelling to France in a big plane.

“By the grace of god and the hard work my son our dreams have come true. Our family will be travelling to France to watch our son play rugby there,” Ratulevu said.

“I am very proud of my son’s hard work. He is achieving huge success at such age.” Tuisova sat in tears as he heard his father speak.

“I thank my family for believing in me. I wanted to play in Rio Olympics badly and now I have returned with success and a gold medal which means a lot to me,” Tuisova said.

It was another day of recalling his childhood days as Tuisova paid a visit to his school, Votua Catholic School and the ground where he started playing rugby.

“This is (school ground) where I started playing rugby. I am grateful for the children’s cheers and excitement. They make me happy. ”

A huge crowd of Tuisova’s family, friends, well-wishers and fans gathered at the village yesterday to thank him for bringing home gold from Rio Olympics 2016.

A Votua-villager, Selesitino Caucau said Tuisova was very humble, caring and kind hearted young man who had been supporting the rugby players of Votua ever since he started playing in the French team.

“He has been providing rugby teams and as well as players with a lot of sporting gears and help in whatever way he can in developing the rugby players,” Caucau said.

He said there were many other villagers who wanted to host a function for Tuisova however due to shortage of time he could only commit to meeting the young rugby players of Votua .

Tuisova, his parents and niece, Joyce Tuwai will leave for France on Monday where Tuisova is expected to get back on the field soon upon his arrival.

“I want my parents to watch me play in France so I am taking them. We will spend three months together before they return home,” Tuisova said.

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