Samo shares knowledge with local youngsters
FORMER Wallaby Radike Samo, with a heart full of gratitude, has returned to his roots, eager to impart his wealth of knowledge on the sport of rugby to the younger generation in the South Pacific.
Having conducted clinics in Samoa and Tonga, Samo expresses the joy he finds in sharing his expertise.
“It’s great to come back home and run the clinics, we’ve been around the South Pacific, around Samoa, Tonga it’s good to go around and share my knowledge on the sport.
“It’s a good thing to give back to the community and it’s good to see these young kids enjoy,” Samo said.
Born in Nadi, the Narewa, Nadi native’s journey from Vaturu District School to St Andrews Primary School, and eventually to Ratu Navula Secondary School, laid the foundation for his remarkable career.
It was at Ratu Navula that he first took to the rugby field, representing his local village club, Western Marine, in 7s competitions. Leaving for New Zealand with a group of local boys, Samo faced the challenges of adjusting to a new environment.
While three of his companions returned home, unable to endure the chilly weather in Auckland, Samo persevered.
His determination stemmed from a steadfast desire to avoid a return to his homeland to cut sugarcane.
Other three local boys returned home as they couldn’t stand the cold weather in Auckland, but Samo held on and reminded himself that the sugarcane fields awaited him if he came home .
“I toured with a Auckland Fijian rugby team to Sydney, Australia, the same year for the Fiji Day celebration where I was scouted to play for a club in Canberra,” he added.
From Canberra Vikings he joined ACT Brumbies between 2000 and 2006, where he played 35 games. He joined the Reds from 2010- 2013 and Rebels in 2015.
He also played in France for Stade Français and Japan joining Y. M Atlastars and Kintetsu Liners.
Beyond the rugby field, Samo passionately advocates for the importance of education. In his advice to aspiring youths, he emphasises the transient nature of a rugby career, underscoring the necessity for individuals to prioritise their education.
Samo encourages young players to always consider their life after rugby, recognising the invaluable role education plays in shaping their future beyond the sports arena.
Samo and his team were at Namaka Public School yesterday conducting rugby clinics.