Dawai Sticks With Waikato
Fijian-born Waikato wing Mosese Dawai is sticking with Waikato.
The Bucalevu, Nakorotubu Ra native who is among the rising stars in National Provincial Championship (NPC) is a step away from playing in the Super Rugby competition
Dawai, 23, is one of the six Fijians that have accumulated 15 points so far in the NPC, New Zealand sevens rep Vilimoni Koroi (Otago) leads the Fijians with 16 points.
Speaking to SUNSports from Waikato, New Zealand the speedster said as much as he loves to play for Fiji his package with Waikato is just too good to give up.
Dawai is one of the three Fijians in the Waikato outfit now – the other two are Salesitino Ravutaumada and Rupeni Tamani.
“I was approached in August after our 28-15 win against North Harbour. As much as I’d love to come home, Waikato has been good to me,” Dawai said.
“I saw the message from FRU but I did not reply,” he said.
“I have Waikato rugby at heart; they have developed and picked me up during the toughest time of my rugby career.
“Right now my ultimate goal is to play in the Super Rugby and it all starts here with a professional set up like the Waikato Rugby Club.
“Coach Ross Filipo is encouraging and pushing me to do my best in training and playing. Being consistent and lifting my game every week.
Dawai had represented the New Zealand U18 schoolboy’s team in 2016.
“Playing in the NPC is the final door to Super Rugby as the pace is different. It is like the dress rehearsal for Super Rugby.
“I’m blessed to have some good coaching staff that are guiding and teaching me about adapting on the super rugby environment.
“It’s all about conditioning and keeping my body fit; rest is ultimate and fitness is something that I have to constantly work on.
Dawai had came home in 2018 but his late grandmother Ilisapeci Dawai’s insisted that he returns to New Zealand.
“It was pride that after I played for the NZ School boys I thought that was it,” he said.
“My grandmother passed away this year and this has made me more determined to be an All Blacks.”