Watch Kuriciva Play

Halfback Joseva Kuriciva (right) takes on Joeli Lutumailagi during the Nadroga training session at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on July 2, 2020.

Upcoming Nadroga rugby halfback Joseva Kuriciva is a player to watch in this weekend’s Coastal Rental’s. Hakwa Foundation Nadroga 10s competition.

He will play for the Police 10s side when the two-day tournament kicks-off on Friday. Nadroga Rugby’s logistic manager Viliame Nakuita said Kuriciva would be the country’s next rugby star.

“No doubt he (Kuriciva) is the next Frank Lomani, he is very sharp on attack and defence especially around the ruck area,” Nakuita said.

“He is very fast; he can run the 100 metres in under 11 seconds, definitely a player to watch.”

Kuricuva played for the Nadi Under-20, Malolo Senior, and helped Police win the annual Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge in 2018.

He was posted to the Sigatoka Police Station and made it to the Nadroga team and later the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua side that played in the Australia National Rugby Championship. The Police 10s side have renowned players like Joeli Lutumailagi, Peceli Nacebe, Rusiate Nasove, Emosi Vucago, Eremasi Radrodro, Setefano Somoca, Timoci Sauvoli, Avete Salawaqavuka, Sailosi Dawai, Ulaiyasi Lawavou, and Josese Kurokavu.

Nakuita said they were expecting more than 20 teams for the competition, which would be played in four categories- Senior,

Under-19, U17 and U15. “This 10s is a post COVID-19 event and with the objective to reignite the rugby spirit in the province during this time of the pandemic,” Nakuita added. Meanwhile, Nadroga host Nadi in a friendly encounter on Saturday at 3pm at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

“This friendly match is to gauge the fitness of the players who have been training for the last three weeks,”Nakuita said.

“There are 120 players training and that shows how crucial the first match is before moving to the double header the following week.”

The Nadroga 10s pools will be released today.