Fiji Sun

Nagusa Moves

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians No.8 looks forward to joining the Newcastle Falcons in England and lifting his game to another level.

- WAISEA NASOKIA - Edited by Osea Bola Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

Nemani Nagusa aims to take his game to another level with the Newcastle Falcons. The 30-year-old, Rararua, Nadroga native departed with his family yesterday to team up with Falcons in the Gallagher Premiershi­p Rugby which kicks off on September 2 against Saracens

He will join other Fijians like Vereniki Goneva (wing), Tevita Cavubati (lock), and Matavesi brothers Joel (first five- eight) and Josh (centre).

“I am looking forward to play in England,” the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians No.8 said.

“They have a different style of rugby and it is good to try out different things in life.

“England has a rich tradition and rugby culture but it all comes down how well you prepare.

“I just could not wait for the moment to run onto the field in the Falcons jumper.”

Capped 16 times by Fiji, he also captained the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team.

“Playing for Fiji is always a pleasure and I like playing at No.8,” he said.

He departed with his wife Kesa, and children Amalini, 5, Nemani Nagusa Jnr, 4 and four months old Frances.

Kesa said, “This is a good opportunit­y for our family to embark on and it is for the real love of rugby. The season has started and we cannot wait to watch him in action.” He spent his last season with French club, Aurillac.

He has also played for Tasman Makos in New Zealand. A former national age group rep and part of the Na droga side.

Nagusa is part of the Newcastle Falcons squad who surely will be looking to build on last season’s fourthplac­e finish.

Director of Newcastle Falcons Rugby Dean Richards earlier said, “Nemani is an exciting player with pace, power and handling ability.

“He is part of a strong Fiji side that are making big strides on the internatio­nal scene, he has that X-factor about him and we look forward to his arrival once the work permit process has been completed,” Richards added.

Nagusa became the Falcons’ seventh confirmed signing with the arrivals of George McGuigan (Leicester Tigers), Logovi’i Mulipola (Leicester Tigers), Guy Graham (Hawick), Tom Arscott (Rouen), Connor Collett (North Harbour) and Johnny Williams (London Irish).

 ?? Photo: Waisea Nasokia ?? From left: Fiji Airways Flying Fijians No.8 Nemani Nagusa with his wife Kesa, and children Amalini, 5, Nemani Jnr, 4 and four months old Frances at Nadi Internatio­nal Airport on August 11, 2018.
Photo: Waisea Nasokia From left: Fiji Airways Flying Fijians No.8 Nemani Nagusa with his wife Kesa, and children Amalini, 5, Nemani Jnr, 4 and four months old Frances at Nadi Internatio­nal Airport on August 11, 2018.
 ?? Vereniki Goneva. ??
Vereniki Goneva.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Fiji