Kean grateful for recognition

Flying Fijian number 321 and former hooker Peter Kean was grateful to be capped yesterday as an acknowledgement of donning the national jumper.

The special occasion was done by FRU chairman John Sanday at Bayview Heights. 

The Namajiu, Nakasaleka, Kadavu native played for Fiji from 1979 to 1984. 

“I am very grateful that FRU has recognised me. I only saw this done for the New Zealand All Blacks and to have it done for me, it’s really great,” Kean said. 

His rugby career began at Marist Brothers High School where they won the Deans trophy in 1976; they beat Ratu Kadavulevu School. 

He also played for the St John’s Marist club and later for the Powerhouse rugby in Melbourne, Australia. 

“I had three senior guys ahead of me, who were very disciplined in coaching us - they were Pio Bosco Tikoisuva, then I had my teacher, Antonio Racika , who was Fiji’s number one hooker then and Setareki Tamanivalu. I really learnt a lot from the older guys.

Peter Kean.

Photo: Sereana Salalo-Baleiwai

“When Antonio retired, that’s when I took over. It was very hard to beat him. 

“During our time, it was very hard to get Tests. Most of the tests that we played were against Tonga and Samoa.”

He added they had a New Zealand tour and Australian tour during their time which was a pretty tough one.

“Out of the 12 matches that were given to us, we only won 4 out of the 12. But we did all the tough things. At that time, our backs were really unbeaten.”

Kean said rugby has evolved over the years. 

“We had only one coach. We didn’t have all the specialised coaches like they have now but I’m happy that I wore the Fiji jersey. I’m grateful to the people who were running it then and those that helped me.”