All ‘is Possible’
TUQIRI OVERCOMES INJURIES, SETS TARGET TO PLAY IN SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC OPENER
In 2017, the Australian newspaper The Courier Mail reported about this 138-kilogramme Fijian schoolboy who became an internet sensation for the more than 62,000 hits on his highlights reel.
He is the cousin of former Wallaby star winger Lote Tuqiri and his older brother is Elia Tuqiri (Souths Rugby coach).
Now at the age of 21, standing at 1.94 metres and weighing 120 kilograms, Emosi Tuqiri, was one of the new players named in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua squad for next season’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Although playing in Australia, Tuqiri was first drafted into the Vodafone Fijian Under-20 squad by then coach Koli Sewabu in 2018.
They won the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Budapest, Romania and
was promoted to the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship for the first time since 2014.
Playing at loosehead prop, Tuqiri played alongside Tevita Ikanivere, Chris Minimbi, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Ilaisa Droasese, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Nasilasila and Meli Tuni, who are also in the current Drua squad.
Speaking to SUNsports, Tuqiri says he is trying hard to make the Match 23 squad for the Super Rugby Pacific opener against Moana Pasifika at the Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, in February 24, next year.
“My goal is to come in and give my all,” he said.
“I’ll do everything I can to be in the first game against Moana (Pasifika).”
Tuqiri admitted it would be a tough task with the quality of props in the squad but nothing was impossible if he does every little thing right.
Looking back, he said, for the past season, his rugby career encountered challenging times due to hamstring and foot injuries. That was the reason why he was not given a run with the Melbourne Rebels in last season’s competition.
“I’ve have to prepare my body and put my foot forward for the match against Moana. I have to continue training and keep looking after my body.”
Tuqiri hails from Namatakula in Nadroga and has maternal links to Yaroi in Matuku, Lau.
“It is an exciting season as the boys are back in Fiji since last year as they are based abroad last season. The weather here has been fine and I’m enjoying our seven weeks of hard raining. The boys are in good shape and looking forward to the season. All are in their fittest they have ever been.”
Tuqiri has called on rugby fans in the country to stay safe and look after each other during this festive season.
I’ll do everything I can tO BE IN tHE first GAME AGAINst MOANA (PAsIfiKA) Emosi Tuqiri Swire Shipping Fijian Drua squAD MEMBEr