Waqavatu inspires
HE may be one of the world’s best rugby players, but to Samisoni Waqavatu, Bristol Bears centre Semi Radradra will always be his humble son.
“I have five sons and two daughters. Semi is the third in the family,” said Semi Radradra’s father, Waqavatu.
“He had always been a humble and obedient young man and that trait has taken him across the world to showcase his talent.”
Radradra mostly took part in athletics when he was young.
“I would support him whenever he took part in the Twisties Games at that time.
“I knew he would make it big in sports and I thank the Lord for blessing him with such a talent.”
Radradra trialed for the Fiji under-20 rugby squad in 2010 when he was 18 years old and his rugby journey started from there. He later joined the Fiji 7s squad in 2011 and was scouted into the Parramatta Eels for the National Rugby League competition in Australia.
He made a huge impression right across the world and was a highly sought after player in the competition by other clubs, but he decided to switch back to union in 2017 signing for Toulon for one year. In 2018, he joined Setareki Tamanivalu for the Bordeaux Begles for two years before joining his current club, Bristol Bears in 2020 for the English Premiership. He was a standout for the Flying Fijians in Tokyo during the 2019 Rugby World Cup running out at centre and wing.
Waqavatu recalled the moment Radradra trialed for the national U20 team.
“I was very happy when he got picked to represent the country. There were about 80 players and I saw Semi’s name appearing after each trial. There were three trials held that year and I shouted for joy when he was part of the final 23 players to tour Italy.”
Waqavatu reiterated to Radradra how important it was to always put God first and look to Him for inspiration.
“My advice to him was to put God first in everything and to always follow his heart. When he told me the Eels approached him, I told him it was up to him. Whatever decision he took, we would be supporting him from home.”
Radradra’s younger brother, Netani Waqavatu is part of the Queen Victoria School Coca-Cola Games squad and will run out for the QVS Knights in the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League Grand Finals at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori against the Ba Pro Dragons today.
Waqavatu is adamant that Netani will also be a big name in years to come.
“A lot of people say that Netani would beat his elder brother’s achievements. Semi always challenges Netani to one day don the national jumper.
“If he can make it then, everything will fall into place. He also would tell his younger brother to always be disciplined and put God first. This is the same principles Semi followed and we hope Netani will also take heed of it.”
Waqavatu said his younger son looked up to Semi and would always ask him for advice.
“I have two other sons who are also following in Semi’s footsteps. My son, Sitiveni Tikoitamavua played rugby in France for a while before returning to the village and my other son, Peni Basalusalu, plays for the Dominion Brothers Club in Suva and I am hopeful they will achieve great things.”
Waqavatu urges parents to always support their children in whatever they set their minds to do.
“My plea to parents is to always support their children in whatever they strive for.
“If they are good academically or good in sports, always support them and let them know you would be beside them until the very end.”
Waqavatu and Radradra will be at Ratu Cakobau Park today to cheer Netani on as the QVS Knights will look to make history by winning the U15, U17 and U19 FSSRL titles.