Great to be back: Luveniyali
Former Flying Fijians first fiveeighth, Waisea Luveniyali, donned the Lautoka jumper and made a successful comeback to this year’s Skipper Cup Premiership. This was after he had spent a few years off the field.
The former Queen Victoria School rugby star had represented Fiji at the 2007 Rugby World Cup where then national coach, Ilivasi Tabua made him an understudy to Nicky Little and Seremaia Bai.
Luveniyali secured an overseas contract with English club Harlequins after the World Cup and played for them from 2008 to 2010.
Originally from Kasavu, Naitasiri, the former Highlanders player said he was blessed to be chosen for the Arrow Group Concrete Lautoka side.
“It’s been a long time but it’s good to be back,” the 34-year-old rep said.
“I’m lucky to be still playing after a few years now, but you get that feeling when you’re getting old.
“But I thank God for the talent and everything I have been through for the past few weeks to be able to play in the first round,” Luveniyali added. Facing his former team and province was a tough test for him.
“I respect them for playing so well over the years until today, it was a good Naitasiri team.
“It’s challenging but I feel really honoured to be playing against them and to be given that opportunity to play again, I’m very thankful to the God Almighty.”
Luveniyali booted over two penalties for his Lautoka side in the first half.
“I think for us as a team is a way forward, a few things for us to work on.
“Coming back as a team for this Skipper Cup competition is interesting and challenging, but at the same time, we are really honoured and blessed to be part of the 2020 Skipper Cup competition.”
Lautoka host Tailevu at Churchill
Park, this Saturday.