Mitieli ready for call of duty in Ukraine
HULL’S Mitieli Vulikijapani has been wrecking defenders’ peace in the Super League but could soon be restoring the peace if recalled to British Army duties.
The powerful Fijian winger served as a gunner in the 47 Regiment Royal Artillery before being granted release from active service to join the Black & Whites last April.
A convert from rugby union, where he represented the Armed Services and Saracens 7s sides, the strapping Vulikijapani has started to make his mark this term.
He has scored in back-to-back games this month, in the Super League win against Huddersfield as well as Saturday’s Challenge Cup success against Sheffield Eagles.
But following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war, Vulikijapani knows he could soon be called back into action of another sort.
“They called me a while back to say if there’s any need for peacekeeping in Ukraine, I might end up going,” said Vulikijapani.
“At the moment, I don’t know what will happen. But if they do contact me, I should go back, because the Army is the priority.
“If given the chance to go do some peacekeeping – if we’re deployed – I’ll help out wherever I can.”
Vulikijapani is following in the footsteps of another Fijian soldier who played wing for Hull – Ratu Naulago, left, who is a close friend.
A private in the Yorkshire Regiment, he scored 23 tries in just 34 games for the East Yorkshire club after joining three years ago.
Naulago, 30, is now starring for Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership but played alongside Vulikijapani when Saracens claimed the 2018 Premiership Rugby 7s title.
Vulikijapani joined the British Army in 2017 and has served in America and Cyprus. “As Commonwealth soldiers, we sign a 12-year contract,” he said. “I’m the gunner in the 47 Regiment, which is in charge of the UAV – the drone – and, if I finish playing rugby, I’ll finish off my army service or extend to 22 years.
“But for now, I’m full-time professional rugby with Hull.”
The 27 year-old believes his military training has served him well in making the transition to rugby league.
“You can take the points from the army into rugby,” he said. “It’s quite similar: the need for discipline, timing and fitness.
“Compared to last year, I’m getting more game time and am getting to know the game better.
“I am a bit more confident and hopefully I’ll play again at Wigan on Thursday.”