Nalaga Eyes Spot on Hurricanes’ Bench
Epeli Waqaicece Nalaga is grabbing the opportunity to pursue a prestige rugby pathway.
After three years in New Zealand he wants to get a spot on the Hurricanes’ bench for this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
“My target this year is to start on the Hurricanes bench and also play against the Fijian Drua one day,” Nalaga said.
He was in action last weekend for his Nasama Village club, PSM Aflame Brothers at the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast sevens tournament at Lawaqa, Sigatoka.
He was a key player for the PSM Aflame Brothers who were runners-up in the youth division after a close final against the Fiji Under20s. Fiji Under-20 won 12-10.
His side defeated the Australian Schoolboys 17-15 in the youth’s cup semifinal clash.
The 19-year-old whose father Kavekini and older brother Napolioni Vonowale have donned the white jersey.
He has signed with Manawatu Turbos club, a professional rugby team that plays in New Zealand’s Bunnings National Provincial Championship (NPC) competition. The team is also affiliated with the Hurricanes Super Rugby Pacific franchise.
“I want to do better than my brother; I am on my toes listening to advice and words of encouragement from home, from my dad and brother,” Nalaga said.
His father, Kavekini played for Fiji at the first Rugby World Cup in 1987 in New Zealand and scored a try in the 28-9 win against Argentina. Nalaga was playing for Cuvu College Under-16 during the Deans competition in 2019 when he was offered a two -year scholarship to study and play at Whanganui Collegiate School.
He is listed in the Hurricanes Under-20 development squad for this year.
“I am keen on wearing the Fiji jersey just like my father and older brother,” Nalaga said.
He will soon return to play for the Manawatu Turbos in the Bunnings NPC in Palmerston North, New *
Zealand.
“I’m happy to be home and be able to play with my friends and relatives whom I attended primaryand secondary school with,” Nalaga said.
“I thank God for my talent and allowing me to showcase it locally
while I’m on a break.
“Playing in New Zealand is a little different from playing at home; there you got to learn details, game plan, skills and fitness is on another level.
His other brother Inoke Nalaga is a former Fiji schoolboys rep who
currently plays for Agen in the French Pro D2.
“I will be playing in the Bunnings NPC this year.
“This competition throws up a bundle of exciting new prospects that ‘breakout’ and I am priviledged to be in the system.
“But when it comes to national duty, either for sevens or Flying Fijians – I will play for Fiji.”
Nalaga is a utility back player, he plays winger and centre and was selected for the NZ U19s to tour South Africa in September last year.