RETIRING from professional rugby at 35 years of age was something Sailosi Tagicakibau had decided for himself unlike others who have been forced to retire because of injury etc.
Growing up, the Lasakau, Bau native’s goal was to retire at this age to focus on other things that matter in life.
“One of my goals was to play pro until I was 35 years old, I’m 35 in November so I think that’s close enough,” Sailosi said.
“I have also taken up landscaping, which I really enjoy. Working on my own a lot with beautiful views of the beaches and cliffs is relaxing and very therapeutic.
“Rugby has always been just a game to me and I actually did play for the love of the game and this is why I’m still playing now for a local (Australian) club team, not for money or the honours but just for the competition and the thrill I get with running out with my mates and with my family cheering me on a Saturday afternoon.”
Dubbed by some as “The Exterminator”, Sailosi plied his trade with the Samoan national 15s side and featured in three world cups in a career spanning 15 years.
“It’s the best feeling walking off the pitch after a good win and being proud of your performance. I think more so now because a lot of youngsters are always trying to get the better of the old bull,” Sailosi joked.
“Lke anything, I think rugby has its good and bad days. I’ve enjoyed my career, you learn from your mistakes and make the most of the opportunities.
“Without those mistakes I wouldn’t be the man that I am today and I think I’m a better man today than I was in my early rugby years because of it.”
The name Tagicakibau is synonymous with sports in Fiji. Younger brother Michael once plied his trade for the Flying Fijians while their younger sister Susan represented the national netball side.
Sailosi, however, opted to use his rugby talents for his maternal side and this was why he had played for the Samoan national team as his mother’s from Faaala Village in the district of Palauli on the island of Savaii in Samoa.
A lot of his life has been taken up by rugby so he might take up something to help him relax so; golf, surf and travelling are a few options being considered.
Like others who have gone before him, he has his best and worst rugby memories.
His best was at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
“That would be my game for Manu Samoa against Uruguay during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
“I was on the way to the try line with no one in front of me but all I could picture was my family at home in front of the television jumping with joy cheering me to the tryline, in that moment I started smiling just before I put the ball down.
“My worst memory, however, was losing to Tonga during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.”
Sailosi, who also played for London Irish, is now looking forward to marrying his long-time sweetheart, Hannah in Fiji and do more work out here maybe through Seremaia Bai and his academy.
Having rubbed shoulders with the best in the game, Sailosi has as his best player the late All Blacks great, Jerry Collins.
“I was fortunate to know JC and unfortunate to play against him many times in NZ and Europe. One thing that stood out was his big heart and how proud he was of where he was from.
“I asked him once ‘How does it feel to be an All Black?’ He replied: ‘I’m not an All Black, I’m a Samoan All Black. Be proud of who you are and where you’re from’.”
For Sailosi, nothing comes easy and hard work is always a key component to achieving great things in life.
“Talent will get you in the door but hard work will keep you there.
” My advice (to anyone willing to listen) is to stay true to your humble beginnings and the way you were raised.
“The world of professional sport is cutthroat so surround yourself with honest people you can trust to protect you and support you during and after your a rugby.”
