Taga balances family, business and rugby life

Former Fijiana rep Laisa Taga juggles nursing, motherhood and business as she supports husband Mesake Doge’s rugby career and their growing coffee venture.

Their business venture, Drua Brew, which they started in 2023, and is located near the Fijian Drua headquarters in Waimalika, Nadi. It has become a popular spot for locals and rugby fans looking for a quick coffee.

The coffee truck offers a range of hot and cold beverages, including iced mochas, long blacks, lattes and hot chocolates.

“We started the coffee truck in 2023. The coffee culture was not as big in Nadi compared with Suva, and it is something we want to help build,” Ms Taga said.

“We are grateful to be helping grow that culture here in Nadi. It is still developing, but we have a five-year plan.”

Ms Taga, a nurse from Lekutu, Bua, said in order to make this dream come true, she had to make sacrifices.

“I exhausted my leave to keep up with his schedule while also helping to run the coffee truck,” she said.

“It was not easy, but the achievements he (Mr Doge) has received have made the sacrifices worth-while. I am proud of him.”

The couple has a daughter who is one year and seven months old.

“Being a rugby player’s wife, man-aging a business and caring for our daughter is not easy, but it requires sacrifice,” Ms Taga said.

Mr Doge recently won the Mogul Dausoko Award during the McDonald’s Fiji Drua presentation night at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa earlier this week.

The award recognises the player who best embodies the values and culture of the Fijian Drua.

The recipient is someone who consistently demonstrates the club’s values while placing the needs of the team above individual success.

Mr Doge earned widespread respect throughout the organisation through his professionalism, humility, and commitment to the team environment.

“I dedicate this award to my beau-tiful wife and child,” he said.

“I feel very fortunate to be here with my family and friends. I am grateful for all the support I have received.”