Fijian Winger Must Perform To Stay With Toulon Rugby

Former Ba rugby centre Petero Tuwai knows that he has to give his best to compete for a spot in the Toulon rug­by side when the French Top 14 starts in September.

The 25-year-old has signed a one year con­tract after two seasons with the MacKenzie Rugby Club in South Canterbury, New Zea­land.

Tuwai also revealed that the extension of his contract would depend on his perfor­mance.

“My dream was to pursue my career in rugby but I never dreamed to come this far and be part of Toulon,” he told SUNsports.

“To be honest it was such a blessing. It was God’s provision and my mother motivated me so much to take it up. I feel so blessed and happy.”

Tuwai accompanied Olympians Jiuta Wainiqolo and Leone Nakarawa who are also joining the club.

He is now going to rub shoulders with star players like Sergio Parisse (Italy), Quin Roux (Ireland), Facundo Isa (Argentina), Beka Gigashvilli (Georgia), Eben Etzebeth (South Africa), Cornell du Preez (Scotland). Not only that play with French star players like Loius Carbonel, Emerick Setiano, and Batiste Serin, to name a few.

Tuwai understands that he has to compete against Wainiqolo, Julien Heriteau, Duncan Paia’aua, Atila Septar, and Gabin Villiere to make the Match 23 squad.

“Training is in full swing at the moment.

“The weather is a bit hot compared to when I left New Zealand in winter.

“For me, it is a big challenge as I am from club level and here it is a professional level so it is a big shoe to fill.

“Interesting that I’m training with inter­national players who have also played for their countries as well.”

Tuwai played for Ba and Rewa in the Voda­fone Vanua Championship.

Humble beginning

The Sorokoba, Ba, native is the youngest of three siblings and was raised by his mother after his dad passed away when he was 12.

Tuwai looked up to his older brother Saki­usa Naisua, who now plays rugby in Dubai and his uncle, former Flying Fijians legend­ary winger Vilimoni Delasau, who is now the coach of J Brothers Rugby 7s side based in the village.

“At a young age I used to watch my uncle showcase his speed in the rugby field, it motivated me to try to go from the village to the Fiji team. This inspired me to further my rugby career overseas.

“My uncle’s character challenged me a lot to go to church and serve God as well.”

At the age of 15, Tuwai made his debut for J Brothers Sorokoba XVs at the Ba Rugby Union club competition played at the Ba Market ground.

“I borrowed boots from friends that could afford them, it was a norm back then un­til my brother bought my first rugby boots when I was 20 -years- old.”

His talent was also identified by Ro Alifereti Doviverata who drafted him into the Rewa squad in 2019 after playing for Ba from 2013 to 2018.

Tuwai is always grateful to Sireli Bobo and Delasau for their encouraging words