Rasari backs Soqonakalou for Drua or Flying Fijians selection
"Sakaraia is the type of centre we need today, He is tall, fast and strong. In my view, it's time for him to go further with his career," Rasari added.
Sunday 19 October 2025 | 23:00
Strong running Naitasiri centre Sakaraia Soqonakalou powers his way over to score his third try against Ba during their Skipper Cup quarterfinal clash at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on October 18, 2025.
Photo: Josua Buredua
The only way now for strong running Naitasiri centre Sakaraia Soqonakalou is to further his rugby career.
That was the view of former Flying Fijians lock and Fiji men's rugby sevens legend Mesake Rasari.
The 23-year-old Soqonakalou has become Naitasiri's go-to-man in the Skipper Cup competition.
Related stories
His speed, footwork and power saw him score three tries in their 32-18 quarterfinal win over Vinod Patel Ba at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
"In my view, it's time for Sakaraia to further his career," Rasari told SUNsports last Saturday.
"I believe he (Soqonakalou) should be considered for the Fijian Drua or even make the Flying Fijians squad."
Soqonakalou started his career on the wing for Naitasiri before he was shifted to centre this season.
He has been a regular starter at No.13 proving the confidence Naitasiri coaching director Ilaitia Tuisese and head coach Timoci Tinaviti have in him.
The Naluwai, Naitasiri, native has further lifted his game when now playing alongside former French star Virimi Vakatawa who is at outside centre.
Soqonakalou combines well with rising winger Aisea Tuisese along with Etonia Rokotuisawa and the elusive Senijiale Qiokata.
"Sakaraia is the type of centre we need today, He is tall, fast and strong. In my view, it's time for him to go further with his career," Rasari added.
Naitasiri hosts Standard Concrete Tailevu in Saturday's Skipper Cup semifinal. The venue is yet to be decided.
Naitasiri has been using the HFC Bank Stadium, Nausori's Ratu Cakobau Park and NaluwaiDistrict School ground to host their Skipper Cup and Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy matches.
Rasari pointed out that the Naitasiri rugby side has been prepared well when compared to previous years.
"That is the difference," he added.
Naitasiri has successfully defended the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy and is now eyeing to win the Skipper Cup. The other Skipper semifinal sees Nadi hosts Tide Tribe Malolo at Prince Charles Park on Saturday.
