Childhood struggles motivates Temo

Being an only child, Temo Mayanavanua was not spoiled rotten as everyone thought.

Speaking to Fijian Drua Media, the co-captain shared life was not easy growing up when he lost his mother at nine-years-old.

The former Suva Grammar School student said he went to live with his extended family following her mother’s passing.

“Growing up, you know, with my dad not there, beside me and my mom. And my mom having to provide not only for me, but for her brothers and sisters as well. It’s quite tough,” the Cautata, Bau, Tailevu native said.

“I had all the excuses to go into the streets, sell drugs or, you know, back in the day it was like sniffing glue or something. So, I had all those excuses. I had mates of mine that, you know, wasn’t in the same path as me, that they’ve gone astray and unfortunately have fallen to the influence of the streets and stuff.”

Mayanavanua grew up in the Kolinisau household - the home of Fiji sevens head coach Osea Kolinisau.

“I’m just thankful to God that He’s guided and He’s protected.

“I went into a family that pursues God first. Whenever I say I’m the only child, a lot of people think that I’m spoiled, you know, got every-thing done my way, but it was actually the other way around.”

Grandmother’s support

The 28-year-old added his late grandmother was his number one supporter.

“It was my mom and my grandma was the one working. My namesake, my grandpa, passed away earlier and kind of forced them to double up on work and stuff.

“She has supported since day one. She’s always there. She’s always cheering me on and stuff. And yeah, losing her as well at the age of 20.

“I had all the excuses to not make it in life. Things were hard. School wasn’t working well.

“And I’m a person that, I’m not patient at times.

I remember when my mom passed away. I remember waking up at 3am in the morning, my grandma coming back from the hospital, crying on the side of the bed. Me at that young age, not knowing whats going on.

Mayanavanua said he had a special connection and relationship with his late mother.

Every time she comes back from work, Im always there waiting. And for that one afternoon where I expect her to come back and not knowing that the tragedy has transpired.

“It really didn’t hit home until another few more years.

“Unfortunately, the man that has looked after us all these years passed away a year ago. Wasn’t able to make a funeral arrangement be-cause of contract in Europe.”

Mayanavanua was grateful to have a supportive wife.

“I can gladly say that most of the parts around the world I’ve been going through it alone until I met my wife. And she knows the struggles. She knows the up and downs that I had to go through.

“I’m just grateful that she decided to stay on and be with me in this journey.”

Historic win

Mayanavanua returned to the side in last week's match against Brumbies where they had a historic win, at GIO Stadium, Canberra.

We talked about creating history, creating our own history, writing our name to mean something. And it only didn't only start from the game, he said.

It started here at home, from the boys who didn't travel, how they kept us honest from the physiotherapists, SNC (strength and conditioning) people, the boys working hard in the background.

It all started from that, allowed us to go out there, be free, play our game, because we were all hungry to achieve something.

Injury

His last match was in Round 2 against Waratahs where he suffered knee and was ruled out for six weeks.

I said a quiet little prayer when I reached the bench. I was thinking of the worst. I was just thinking this is an ACL. I'm out of the season, he said of his injury in February.

So as long as I knew that I started working again the next following Monday, came into the gym, started doing strength work closely with the SNC and the physios as well.

Family support

He thanked his wife and son for standing by him during his rehab journey.

My son is a very outgoing person. He doesnt hide his emotions.

Hes really good in sensing and reading the room, just like his mom.

Every time he would see me down, he'll come to me and be like, Daddy, youre the best and that kind of word just encourages me to keep on going.

My wife has been unreal behind the scenes, dealing with me, during that injury.

There are a couple of times where I cant go up the stairs by myself. It's embarrassing a grown man and being escorted up the stairs by his wife.

Shes a strong woman for doing that.

Mayanavanua signed two seasons with the Drua from Northampton Saints.

He joined the Saints after the 2023 World Cup. Prior to that, he played for Northland in New Zealand for three years before joining Lyon in France.

The powerful second rower made his debut for the Flying Fijians in 2020 against Georgia. He has made 34 appearances since then.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj