Forgotten rising star on a comeback

He was one of the stars of Ratu Kadavulevu School Under-18 rugby team that won the Vodafone Deans Trophy in 2018 .

Halfback Jone Vatuwaliwali was destined to become one of our future rugby stars. He represented Suva before he got injured and faded away.

Now, he is grateful to the Skipper Cup competition, which has provided him a pathway to redemption.

Vatuwaliwali who has recovered from the injury is making a comeback.

He is playing for Macuata in the Skipper Cup and aims to impress and get a possible call up to join the Fijian Drua or the Flying Fijians.

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Speaking to SUNsports, Vatuwaliwali said he is now playing for Macuata to acquire quality game time and gain experience as well.

Hailing from Wailevu Village in Macuata, the soft-spoken player said his aim is to help Macuata improve on its attacking moves.

Vatuwaliwali was moved to full-back against Naitasiri last Saturday and excelled in dictating play from the back.

He said after playing in the Deans Trophy in 2018, his injury made him return to his village for about a year.

“I’m thankful to my supportive family and God Almighty for the recovery,” he said.

Vatuwaliwali was on the Fiji Warriors squad list but missed out on selection.

He has got provincial rugby experience playing for Suva and now Macuata.

“I want to help Macuata create their try scoring chances through set pieces and my position gives me that ability to open-up the opposition defence.”

Against Naitasiri in the Skipper Cup last Saturday at Subrail Park, Vatuwaliwali helped Macuata in their attacking plays.

“The Macuata side this year is more prepared and have the ability to beat some quality teams so as a team we will try to improve each week,” he added.

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