Navuma A Star On The Rise
Livewire hooker Ratunaisa Navuma is looking forward to play for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians during the Europe tour next month.
The Tilivalevu, Nadroga, native departed yesterday with the other local based- players for France where they will team up with overseas –based players. They will have their first training run in Toulouse, France on Monday.
He played seven games for the Senirusi Seruvakula-coached Fiji Airways Drua side during the Australian National Rugby Championship.
Other Drua players who departed with him are halfback Frank Lomani, Mosese Ducivaki, Mosese Voka, Joeli Veitayaki and Alivereti Veitokani.
“This is my big break, “he said. “I thank God for the blessing and the guidance. I played my best this season for Nadroga in the local provincial competition and the NRC.” He is looking forward to earning his first Test cap either against Italy, Ireland or Canada.
“My aim is to make the run on team. The race for World Cup in 2019 starts now.”
Navuma aims to learn from veteran hookers Sunia Koto and Tuapati Talemaitoga.
The 23-year-old has been part of the Nadroga team for the past four years.
First five- eight Alivereti Veitokani is looking forward to a big break despite the tough challenge from overseas based- players.
“This is a good challenge for local players,” he said.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad:
Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Ratunaisa Navuma, Sunia Koto, Ropate Rinakama, Mosese Ducivaki, Manasa Saulo, Leone Nakarawa, Sikeli Nabou, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato, Mosese Voka, Nemani Nagusa, Akapusi Qera, Semi Kunatani, Henry Seniloli, Frank Lomani, Nikola Matawalu, Ben Volavola, Alivereti Veitokani, Jale Vatubua, Levani Botia, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Vereniki Goneva, Patrick Osborne, Josua Tuisova, Timoci Naqusa, and Kini Murimurivalu