Daugunu Dedicated: Lusiana
Filipo Daugunu’s Queensland Country faces his fellow Fijians in the Fiji Airways Drua in the semifinal of the Australia National Rugby Championship on Sunday.
His wife Lusiana Mara, a 21-year old trainee teacher at Maramarua District School knew her husband would go far in his rugby career Daugunu represented Fiji as a goalkeeper but gave it up in 2015 to further pursue a career in rugby. He landed a spot on the Fiji Airways 7s squad but moved to Australia at the beginning of this year to play for the Wests and later selected for Queensland Country for the National Rugby Championship.
He scored 10 tries in four appearances forcing the Reds to take notice of him.
Daugunu, 22, of Saqani, Cakaudrove has earned a Super Rugby contract with the Reds.
“We were high school sweethearts. I knew he’ll go far in his sporting career as he was always dedicated,” she said.
“He represented Labasa Sangam (SKM) College in athletics, football and rugby.”
Mara said Daugunu is a loving husband and a caring father towards their one-year-old son. “He is caring and supportive towards me and our son Jovilisi Daugunu.
“Even though we are far from each other we still stay in touch. We call each other every day either on Skype, Messenger or by telephone,” she said.
Mara said Daugunu started from a humble beginning.
“He started playing for the local clubs in Labasa. His passion for rugby grew as he represented Wardens,” she said.
Mara was at Churchill Park, Lautoka to watch Daugunu’s Queensland Country beat Fiji Airways Drua 17-24 two weeks ago. Feedback: