Viliame Tuidraki Eyes Cup Spot for Japan

Returning to Fiji for the World Rugby Pacific Chal­lenge was a special moment for Junior Japan’s Fijian flyer Vil­iame Tuidraki.

The fullback says he is focussed on making the cut for Japan’s team to September’s Rugby World Cup but knows it will require a lot of sacrifices.

“Just like all the boys in Junior Japan, my aim is to make it to the main Japan team and the Super Rugby franchise side, Sunwolves. It will require a lot of hard work,” he said.

Tuidraki is the son of former Fi­jian international Patilai Tuidraki and joined Junior Japan this year after impressing selectors while playing for the University of Japan side.

Junior Japan’s Viliame Tuidraki in Albert Park, Suva on March 15, 2019. Photo: Oceania Rugby

He admits leaving Fiji to join Japan was the toughest decision of his career but says he is deter­mined to succeed in the country of his birth.

The 22-year-old was born in Japan and lived there for five years before moving to Fiji.

“I spent my school years in Fiji and attended Natabua High School from Year 9-12, then finished my secondary school at Ratu Navula College,” Tuidraki said.

He played rugby for Ratu Navula and was also named the dux of the school in 2015, scoring top marks in economics, computer and account­ing.

He also played for the Westfield 7s team in the same year before being drafted into Koli Sewabu’s Fiji U20 side in 2016.

“Right after the Fiji U20s, I got an offer from the University of Japan in 2018, where I’m studying right now,” Tuidraki said.

“It was a hard decision to come here. My family told me once I play for Japan, I can’t play for Fiji any­more so I had to think really hard about it.

“I’m really happy in Japan but Fiji will always be my home.”

Tuidraki says he hopes to achieve the same success his father did on the rugby field.

“He is my number one idol and I hope I can be like him one day,” he added

At the Pacific Chal­lenge, Tuidraki made his debut as a sub­stitute in Junior Ja­pan’s spirited 31-21 win over Samoa A last Saturday in Suva.

He did not play against the Swire Ship­ping Fiji Warriors side on Tuesday but hopes to get a chance against Tonga A today.

Edited by Osea Bola

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