Japanese-Born Inoue Loves Fiji, Rugby
“I decided to play for the Skipper Cup after I was invited by my teammate and Marlins captain, Alipate Toko,” he said.
Wednesday 05 August 2020 | 23:23
Japanese-born Kensaku Inoue is looking forward to play in the Skipper Cup Premiership Under-19 competition.
The Ba Provincial Freebird Institute Year 12 student, who plays halfback, came in as a sub for the Yasawa Marlins whey they drew 12-12 with Nadi in the first round. He also helped beat Suva 15-12 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva last Saturday.
“I decided to play for the Skipper Cup after I was invited by my teammate and Marlins captain, Alipate Toko,” he said.
Related stories
“Since the Deans Trophy competitions have been called off, I decided to play for Yasawa every weekend. I love Fiji and rugby.”
Kensaku Inoue of Japan. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
The 17-year old, who is from the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, arrived here in 2018 as an international student.
“In 2015, I came with my family on a family trip, and I loved Fiji, nice people and beautiful beaches and well-known for hosting international students - that is why I opted to study here.”
He is in the country on a student visa and lives with a Fijian family at Rifle Range, Lautoka.
“That same year I played for the school’s rugby league Under-15 competition,” he said.
“I also played in the Deans Under-16 grade.”
He has a younger brother, who is 15 years old and attends Ratu Navula College in Nadi. His father works at a medical company in Japan, while his mother is a kindergarten teacher.
“When I was five years old, my dad wanted me to play a unique sport. Football was well known in Japan compared to rugby. Since then I have played rugby for over 10 years,” he said.
“This is my final year in Fiji, and I plan to attend university in 2021.”
The Filipe Alivereti-coached Yasawa U19 side takes on Lautoka at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, tomorrow.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
