Families of Jeremia Ma­tana’s maternal side of Naikele Tokatoka,Tailevu are proud to see one of their own represent Fiji.

On Monday while watching the finals between Fiji and New Zealand, Jeremia’s uncle Saven­aca Manulevu and families shed tears of joy.

“He is the first from the mater­nal side to represent Fiji in sev­ens rugby and to add to it was Fiji winning the Rugby World Cup,” he said.

Growing up, Mr Manulevu said Jeremia have always want­ed to play rugby.

“But his father wanted him to also do well in school which was also important,” he said.

He made his debut when he was named in the national side for the Dubai 7s in 2021.

Before rugby, he was studying marine studies at the Univer­sity of the South Pacific for a year.

After a year of studying, he returned to Waitabu Village in Taveuni to help his dad with farming.

“He kept telling his father that he wanted to play rugby so he joined Raiwasa Taveuni Rugby and this was where his skills set were nurtured,” he said.

While his parents live in Wait­abu Village in Taveuni, the for­ward player at times stay at a relative’s house in Vatuwaqa to attend trainings.

This also helped him save trav­elling expenses and avoid miss­ing out on trainings

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