Nothing Beats Prayer, Hard Work: Prop

Playing in the Skipper Cup competition for the Nadi Under-20 rugby side enabled prop, Jone Bainivalu, to travel by plane for the first time.

Speaking to SUNsports, the 18- year-old said this was when he travelled with the Fiji team to play at the Oceania Rugby U20 Trophy Challenge and the Super Rugby U20 in New Zealand, last month.

“I cried on the plane while flying to Auckland because I thought back of my humble beginnings in my village of Somosomo in Yasawa,” he said.

Bainivalu is the grandson of former Flying Fijian star centre Kaiva Salusalu and he usually spend most of his time in the village where he goes out diving.

“When I saw my name on the Fiji Under-20 team list, it took some time to sink in that I was selected.

“All the prayers from my family were answered when I got selected.”

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Bainivalu said all his hard work and determination paid off after he was selected as the first choice prop in the match against Tonga, Samoa, Moana Pasifika and Hurricanes.

“I came off the bench against New Zealand Barbarians and Highlanders. My target now is to pursue a professional rugby career.”

Bainivalu said when he returned from New Zealand, the village welcomed him with a feast.

“As soon as I set foot on the beachside, I was greeted with a garland and there was a feast prepared,” he said.

Bainivalu said he is part of the Fiji U20 World Cup extended squad.

“I’ve been training in preparation to the World Cup, which will be in South Africa in June. I don’t usually follow my peers because I don’t smoke and drink alcohol.”

Bainivalu urged his peers to bank on the power of prayer and keep on working hard if they are to achieve their dreams.

“I usually think of my parents when I play because of the hardships they go through to provide for me. My mum stays at home in the village while my dad pays for my bus fare to training.”

Bainivalu featured for Natabua High School U18 team in last year’s grand final of the Vodafone Deans Trophy.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj