Rookie utility back waits for his chance

He was one of the young players that shone for the Suva rugby team during last year’s Skipper Cup competition.

Sakiusa Vatunitusiqila was a standout either at full-back or at first- five eighth. He was a delight to watch with his speed, skills, elusiveness and the ability to connect with his one-on-one tackle.

Vatunitusiqila is the eldest in his family and has a huge responsibility of being a good role model to his siblings.

He used the challenge to motivate him to go for his dream of either playing for the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team or the Flying Fijians.

“That is my dream to play for Fiji,” he said.

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Vatunitusiqila hails from the chiefly island of Bau in Tailevu.

That is also the home of the legendary Flying Fijians No.8, the late Ratu Jope Seniloli, national rugby wingers Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua and Jack Komaitai. Other players who made their mark in the provincial rugby competition includes former Tailevu captain Lemeki Koroi and Tevita Vodo.

He caught the attention of the Fiji Rugby development officers while playing for Suva in the Skipper Cup and was drafted into the Elite Player Pathway under the Fiji Rugby High Performance Unit.

Vatunitusiqila was then included into the national rugby sevens training squad, where at times he has named as a non-travelling reserve to the HSBC SVNS tournaments.

While waiting for that call to wear the national jersey, he recalled on how he took up sports.

“I played soccer while I was in primary school but later started playing rugby when I was in Form 5 (Year 11) at Dudley High School,” he told FRU Media.

“Whenever I run on to the field, I reminded myself that I am playing the sport that I love. That was for my parents and that’s what gets me through each game.”

When questioned on how he balances the two sports, Vatunitusiqila said, it’s all in the mind and how you balance and manage your game.

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