Rising Stars To Further Studies

Hard work, dedication and perseverance have helped Aisea Tuisese develop in recent years and been granted a contract with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team.

Tuisese was one of the four Drua players in attendance at the Uni­versity of the South Pacific (USP) and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Drop Goal Challenge at our Laucala Campus.

The lad said he realised his pas­sion for rugby at the age of nine after playing in the Kaji rugby com­petition a few years ago.

"I was born and raised in a fam­ily where rugby runs through our blood. Growing up, I knew I had a passion for rugby. I started playing this sport in primary school, and I was usually placed in the half-back position," he said.

Tuisese stressed that after recognising his potential in this field, he became a rugby fanatic and knew he would one day represent Fiji in an international tournament.

Raised in a humble setting, the Serea, Naitasiri lad committed himself to rugby; and his talent was discovered in 2019.

"This was an inborn talent. It was an honour to be selected for the Drua team, and I would say that some of my strengths included my passing and attacking. As of now, I continue to work on my kicking skills," he added.

Tuisese said his plan now is to se­cure a spot in any of the Drua inter­national outings during this season and will work towards pursuing his studies further at USP in the near future.

"I am a USP student, and my pro­gramme focuses on Biology and Chemistry. Balancing my profes­sional rugby career whilst studying is not easy, but it is not impossible either. I've learned that it's impor­tant to manage time wisely; and this is how I have been able to keep up with the two things I am currently pursuing."

Meanwhile, another Drua player, Isikeli Rabitu, shared that rugby players must have a proper plan for 'life after rugby'.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Naila in Bau, Tailevu, attended Suva Methodist Primary School, then moved to Veiuto Primary be­fore joining Suva Grammar School (SGS) for his secondary education.

He was an instrumental member of the SGS rugby team that won the Super Deans Under-14 title in 2019.

Rabitu said the visit to USP is an opportunity for him to see first­hand the learning environment and campus life. He is now consid­ering learning more about the pro­grammes on offer at USP.

"Plan for life after rugby is criti­cal for any rugby player. I am also planning to pursue my studies, and while at the campus today; I learned many things. Hopefully; I will get a chance soon to enquire about various programmes on offer," he stated.

The Tailevu lad said he was shocked to have received confirma­tion about his placement in the Fi­jian Drua team.

"When I was first selected, I seri­ously could not believe it. My coach told me to keep the information to myself, but I went on to inform my family as I was excited. Even my family members could not sink in my recent achievement," he said.

He stressed that he would con­sider education when the time is right; for now, his focus is on rugby; "which requires proper diet moni­toring, keeping fit and healthy, con­ducting unseen training and work­outs, and most importantly - the need to obey parents."

Rabitu's message to aspiring rug­by players is "Follow what your heart tells you. Where there is a will, there is a way"

Source: USP Media

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