Former Queensland Reds and Wallabies looseman, Radike Samo, believes that rugby is a good pathway for our young men and women if they are to secure a bright future. 

Speaking to SUNsports on Friday during the last programme of the Vuvale Week, Samo said rugby is one way for our youths at home could get the chance to go overseas. 

“Make sure when you go overseas, just keep your head down and keep going and don’t try to do something different,” he said.    

Samo was speaking from experience as he was raised in Narewa, Nadi, before moving to Australia where he played for ACT Brumbies and the Reds. 

He played for the Wallabies at lock and at times he was moved to the win due to his speed. Samo played for Brumbies when they won the Super Rugby title in 2001 and 2004 before helping Reds win it in 2011. And in 2007, he played for Stade Francais when they won the French Top 14 title in 2007   

Despite the downpour on Friday, children still turned up to the Vuvale rugby afternoon. 

Ending their week-long tour around the country, Samo and former Wallabies star winger Lote Tuqiri were able to engage with young aspiring ruggers. 

The youngsters were able to be part of an informal rugby match with Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players, Philip Baselala and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Queensland Reds Centre Zack Henry and Queensland Reds women flanker Joana Rabaka. 

Looking back at the community visits and one week programme, Tuqiri said “It is so great to be part of the community outreach programmes, helping the younger generation steer through their rugby dreams.” 

“We have been received really well, and I always love coming to Fiji,” he added. 

Tuqiri was also able to work with the Macuata Rugby team that will be appearing in the Skipper Cup competition, which starts on July 1. 

“It was great for me to go up to Labasa and spend some time with the Macuata rugby team, they’re in the Skipper Cup so I’ll be following them with a bit of interest this year,” he said. 

Tuqiri said the partnership with Rugby Australia and the Fiji Government is a great initiative and through sports there can be many great things in store for Fiji. 

Feedbacks: iowane.kanavakatini@fijisun.com.fj