Interview with Mr. Jone Naikabula of Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Mr. Jone Naikabula is a true son of the Nadroga province hailing from Vagadra village in Nadroga with maternal links to Nalele village also in Nadroga. He attended Swami Vivekananda College (SVC) in Nadi and whilst in Nadi he was encouraged by one of teachers a Mr. Koroi Vunilagi from Kadavu to complete their application to Kelston Boys High School in NZ. Eight boys from SVC applied but only Jone was successful.
He was accepted into Kelton Boys High School on a half scholarship deal and his family had to fork out additional financial support to meet fees and other needs whilst in NZ. Jone recalled how his family came together to support him by doing extra work to earn an extra money to pay for his education in
NZ. He owes a great deal of gratitude to his family for coming together to support his education and rugby dream. Fortunately for Jone, he was offered full scholarship in his second year of study.
How is your Rugby life in Japan?
I am enjoying my time here in Japan. I noticed in NZ that the grassroots structure for rugby was very clear from the primary school level to the Super Rugby level and the training sessions were quite short with targeted areas at every session. Training sessions in Japan are quite long but I am learning to cope with what is expected of me. What brought you to Japan?
I moved to Japan after I was scouted while playing club rugby for Watemate Rugby Club. I was initially offered a place in a University in Osaka and after consulting my father I agreed to move to Japan. My scholarship was for 4 years, and it was unfortunate that I got injured every year since joining the University. Nevertheless, I am very honoured that I was able to play rugby and attend University at the same time.
How you got selected to Japan National Team? In my 3rd year in University, I was selected to play for the Japan National Sevens Team. The motivation from representing Japan on the Sevens Circuit was huge and I set my sights on the National 15s side. For two seasons after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, I was only part of the wider training squad, however,
I still did not make my debut.
I set my goal to be in the starting 15 in the 2023 Rugby World Cup and I was fortunate enough to play my debut match against Samoa. Playing against Fiji before the RWC was a big test for me and I certainly need to prove my worth to team on that game. Overall, it was a good game of rugby. How has your life changed?
When I arrive in Japan it was a bit difficult mainly due to the language barrier. I took the challenge head on and learn Japanese and I have thoroughly enjoyed the people and the culture. Honesty is a very important virtue that I got to re-learn here in Japan. This drastically changed my outlook in life when I started to focus on the little things and do it to the best of my abilities.
What is your eye-opening / culture shock experience in Japan?
I lost my wallet twice and in both times I manage to recover my wallet from the Police Station with everything intact. No cash or card was removed from my wallet. This was an eye opening experience for me. Like I said earlier, Japanese are honest with the little things.
Message for future Fijian Rugby player
My message to the future rugby players is to have a goal and make every effort in achieving your goals. You need to be honest in the little things, train hard and I personally believe that God is watching us and God will only help those who help themselves. If you work hard you will be rewarded.
I really miss Fijian food and the family gathering every Sunday to have lunch.
My message to the future rugby players is to have a goal and make every effort in achieving your goals