Learning from the Best
To play a Super Rugby match is the last thing on the mind of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua second fiveeight Michael Naitokani.
First he wants to settle in, know the pace and learn as much as he can. The 22-year-old who was recently drafted into the Drua squad for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition told SUNsports that it has been a learning experience.
“I’m there to learn from the best,” he said.
“Right now to compete with them (Apisalome Vota and Kalaveti Ravouvou) for those positions is secondary.
‘I’ve got a lot to learn from them, the coaches and other senior players as well.”
Naitokani hails from Tawake in Cakaudrove with maternal links to Nasau in Koro, Lomaiviti.
He was among three Drua players who were guests at the Walesi Carnival in Ba, last Saturday.
Naitokani broke into the limelight in this year’s Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship while playing for Nadroga. He caught the attention of the national selectors and was drafted into the Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors that played Manuma Samoa in the Fiji Invitational Series. He partnered with Vota at centre when the Warriors took out the series. He says the bond and connection among players and officials in the Drua camp is one of the best.
“The vibe is good as I train with the likes of Vota and Ravouvou. I’ve been preparing well the past few months and trying to make use of this opportunity. I’m here to adapt to the Super Rugby pace and what is needed of me since it is my first year.”
Naitokani said there have been challenging times especially when his family is in Suva while he is based in Nadi. Looking back, he said playing for Nadroga helped develop his rugby as it enabled him to make his dream come true. Naitokani attended Christian Mission Fellowship Primary School at Khalsa Road in Nasinu before moving to Queen Victoria School where he attended Year 9 to Year 11.
It was there he scored a rugby scholarship to New Zealand where he attended Hastings Boys High School and played two seasons with them. He also attended the Canterbury Academy before returning home because of COVID-19. Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola