FIJI AIRWAYS FIJIAN DRUA REP
Osea Waqa signs with French club to help support extended family
Crafty Fiji Airways Fijian Drua utility back Osea Waqa has signed up with French Top 14 club Castres Olympique. Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Waqa said the reason he had signed with the French club was to help support his family.
“I’ve played for the Fijian sevens, Drua and Flying Fijians with the ultimate dream to go for a contract overseas,” he said.
“I’ve a large extended family of 15 and we live next to each other in the village.
“Only two people are bread-winners-my dad and uncle. The rest have casual jobs. The step I’ve taken will help ease the situation at home.”
The 20-year-old was part of the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad that beat the Barbarians in Twickenham, London last November.
“I was impressed to be there personally as in 2015 I watched the World Cup and it was an eye-opener. What a huge crowd.
“I wanted to play in such atmospheres. It was bigger than the Dean’s Trophy competition we used to play at the ANZ Stadium.”
Waqa who hails from Yasawa in Saqani, Cakaudrove said he had negotiated with the French club in February but the confirmation of his contract came through late last week.
The former Ratu Navula College Under-18 playmaker is among the Fijian players who have joined Castres, who was the Top 14 champions in 2018.
The other players are Olympian Semi ‘Beast’ Kunatani, Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rover Vilimoni Botitu and rugby league convert, Adrea Cocagi. “Boti (Botitu) and I came through the HPU pathways under the guidance of Bill Gadolo, Senirusi Seruvakula, Kele Leawere, and Ifereimi Rawaqa.
“They have worn the national jerseys and made it easy for us to understand what was expected from us and the contracts that were offered to us.
“I was called into the sevens squad but I was tied- up with the Drua and the Flying Fijians.
“I did play for the Nadi Rugby Union franchise competition but had no luck in making the Nadi team.”