Fiji Warriors number eight Josateki Tuituba has signed a three year contract with French club, Union Sportive Olympique Nivernaise (Nevers).

The 19-year-old departed our shores yesterday in a bid to grow and explore his budding career dream in the second level of the country’s professional rugby system, Pro D2.

“I guess the ultimate pathway is to play in the Rugby World Cup and to don a Fiji jumper will be an icing on the cake,” Tuituba said.

The Nasigatoka, Nadroga, native is a cousin of former Flying Fijian and and Nadroga captain Rupeni Nasiga.

“Nasiga has inspired me in my rugby books. Growing up and watching him play give me that edge to achieve.

“Also my form mate and team mate Mesake Tove (half back) who joined Clermont Rugby last year.”

Tuituba attended Cuvu College and played in the Under 18 in the 2018- 2019 seasons.

He will join Ilikena Bolakoro (wing) , Josaia Raisoqe (wing), Nasoni Kunavore (centre) and Alivereti Loaloa (flanker).

Meanwhile, Ram Sami Suva flanker Filimoni Seru also boarded the same flight with Tuituba after securing a one-year with French-based club, Nantua, which plays in the Federal French Championship 2.

“This is not the first time I have also played in Poland, and Sri Lanka (Police). This is for the first time in France,” he said.

Seru played for the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua when they won the 2018 Australia National Rugby Championship.

Earlier this year, he played for the Fijian Latui in the Global Rapid Rugby competition.

Last Saturday, he played at blindside flanker for Suva when they beat Nadroga 32-26 in the Skipper Cup competition.

He will join former Fijian 7s player Manasa Nayagi and former Fiji Drua and Suva number eight Peni Raidre at the club.

Meanwhile, Flying Fijians forward Semi Kunatani was farewelled by his family as he later boarded the flight on his way to his new club Castres.

Kunatani is expected to be part of the Flying Fijians squad to play in the Autumn Nations Cup in late November.

The Flying Fijians are expected to camp in Paris on October 25.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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