Rookie ready for debut
PLAYING as a goalkeeper in football three years ago to making his debut for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua today against the Brumbies today in a pre-season match, 20-year-old Mesake Vocevoce has indeed made huge strides in his rugby journey.
The Narewa, Nadi native is also the only Drua Development player in the trial squad for Canberra.
“I was shocked when my name was called out to be part of the squad to be playing against the Brumbies,” he said.
Vocevoce said he was not actively involved in rugby at all and took up rugby only after leaving school after his Year 13.
“I played football for most of my life, from primary school to secondary school, where I played as a goalkeeper and as a centre back/fullback.
“I attended Sangam SKM College in Nadi where rugby was not played. After leaving school, I joined the Nadi Under-19 rugby team and played in that grade for the Jetsetters in the Skipper Cup.”
He said following his stint at Nadi rugby, he joined the Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit (HPU) and played for the Fiji U-20 team before he was called up to join the Drua Development squad earlier this year.
Vocevoce, also plays for the Korovuto Rugby club, which competes in Nadi Rugby Union’s tier two competition.
“I am just a just a normal Fijian boy chasing his own dreams.
“I worked very hard, made sacrifices and finally my dream has come true. I am playing in the game tomorrow (today) against the Brumbies and it is a good opportunity for me to impress the coaches and selectors that I can play in the lock position.”
Vocevoce says he would continue working hard and believe in himself going forward.