Rugby World Cup Next: Albert Tuisue
Tuisue is equally comfortable playing as a flanker or lock forward and his versatility is proving to be a real asset for the team.
Monday 22 April 2019 | 03:20
London Irish forward Albert Tuisue says he was delighted to have clinched promotion in his first season with the club but remained focussed on featuring at the Rugby World Cup.
Tuisue and teammate Alivereti Veitokani scored a try each on Saturday as the Exiles beat Richmond 46-7 to secure a return to England’s top division, the Gallagher Premiership Rugby.
Playing at blindside flanker, the Lomanikoro, Nakasaleka, Kadavu, native scored his second try in as many matches, marking an upturn in form since signing for the London club in January.
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The 25-year-old says he was looking forward to facing the Fijian players in the premiership, namely Northampton Saints’ Api Ratuniyarawa, Leicester Tigers’ Campese Ma’afu and Harlequins’ Semi Kunatani.
“Clinching promotion really meant a lot to Alivereti and I because we set a goal at the beginning of the season to play in the Premiership and we have achieved that,” he told SUNsports from London.
“I want to thank the Lord and my family in Fiji for their love and support, especially my wife who is pregnant with our baby girl.”
The forward’s improved form has seen him become a regular name on the Exiles’ team sheet.
Tuisue is equally comfortable playing as a flanker or lock forward and his versatility is proving to be a real asset for the team.
“I think my improving performance is down to my personal experience and sacrifice, and the determination I have on and off the field,” he said.
“I want to keep improving and working hard because I have set the personal goal of making the RWC squad which is full of great players.”
Tuisue and Veitokani’s rise to Premiership Rugby has come one year after the duo first emerged with the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua side.
Their rapid growth since then highlights the importance of the Drua set-up in developing Fijian rugby.
The Drua has been a treasure trove of talent since its inception in 2017, producing players like Frank Lomani, Eroni Mawi, Mosese Voka, Mesulame Dolokoto, Luke Tagi and more.
“Fiji is a small nation but through rugby it can conquer the world,” Tuisue said.
“What we have achieved with the Drua has set the standard for all Fijian players and I think we have enough quality on the island to win the World Cup.”
Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj
