He was one of the five players who made his debut for the Nadroga rugby team during the Skipper Cup Premiership last Saturday.

Winger Beniamino Kalounidau’s rugby talent was first spotted by Vodafone Fijian Under-20 head coach Kele Leawere while conducting an U20 trial in Vanua Levu, last year.

Kalounidau hails from Nadamole, Wailevu East, in the province of Cakaudrove.

The tikina (district) of Wailevu is the home of two former Nadroga rugby greats, second five-eighth Tevita Rabuli and Norman Ligairi.

Rabuli was a key member of the Nadroga backline when they held the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy from 1971 to 1979. He and Ligairi went on to play for the national rugby team.

Kalounidau is adamant of following their footsteps and making his mark with the Stallions.

“I am happy to be part of the Nadroga senior team and to be on the starting line-up,” he told SUNsports.

“I opted to come to Nadroga because it’s going to boost my rugby career. It will open many doors. Also, it will mould me to become a more disciplined player on and off the field.”

Kalounidau attended Saint Bede’s College at Savarekareka in Savusavu and represented the school at the 2018 Coca-Cola Games, where he ran in the 200m.

“It is like a family atmosphere here in Nadroga. I feel right at home and with the coaches, elders and senior players’ guidance I know I can achieve my goal.”

Kalounidau is the second youngest of six siblings. He started his rugby career playing at the Milo Kaji Rugby from the U9 right up to the U14 grade.

“I’m grateful to everyone in the Nadroga Rugby Union for their faith and support towards my rugby career.”

During the holidays, Kalounidau said he had to make sacrifice and trained on the hills under the scorching sun at his village before he joined the Stallions B team.

Now he is hopeful to get his second run as the Stallions take on the Maroons in Saturday’s Skipper Cup clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

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