Fijian rugby great and former rugby coach and administrator Pio Bosco Tikoisuva has lived a life that is certainly worth putting down to paper, says Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
In his address while officiating at the launch of Tikoisuva’s autobiography titled ‘Emperor Bosco’ in Suva last night, Mr Bainimarama said this was the kind of story that would inspire anyone to chase their dreams with passion and serve their country with distinction.
“And we’re lucky that he has chosen to share his life’s journey with his fellow Fijians, along with some well-earned wisdom gained through his remarkable career. Because this man has built a legacy that every Fijian can be proud to celebrate,” the PM and former rugby mate said.
Mr Bainimarama said any honest account of one’s personal and professional lives was an opportunity for reflection on both their successes and shortcomings.
He said that effort required the author to ask hard questions of themselves, look into their hearts, and reckon with any regrets they may have.
“Delivering such an honest account demands courage and humility – qualities Mr Tikoisuva has shown all his life. Which is why I look forward to reading about his journey, and I encourage others to do the same.
“I believe this book can become a fast favourite for many of us regardless of whether or not we’ve played sport at the professional level, because sport – rugby especially – is a part of our lives as Fijians. It unites us. It inspires us. It lifts our spirits in even the darkest of times. And it is very much part of our national identity.”
Tikoisuva said the name Emperor Bosco was bestowed upon him by an unknown supporter of the Harlequins Rugby Club who wrote a piece about him with a line reading – ‘Emperor Bosco – the man from the Fiji Islands’.
The book cover features a picture of a young Tikoisuva that was first published in an issue of the England-based ‘Rugby World Cup Magazine’ during the 1975 -1976 rugby season when he was playing rugby for the Harlequins Rugby Club.
