Ambitious Waqa Nalaga fulfilled one of his dreams last Saturday when he made his Shop N Save Super Rugby debut for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
He came off the bench in the 31-12 win over the Western Force, ticking off home game experience from the box.
The Nasama in Nadroga youngster joined the Drua this year after playing for Manawatu Turbos in the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand where he was drafted into the Hurricanes extended squad last year.
“When I went to New Zealand, I was dreaming about this, to play in front of my people, my family and I’m just pretty grateful,” he said.
“Pretty happy for my debut, I didn’t have much time but I’m grateful for it, running out with the boys, enjoying and spending my time in there having fun so it’s pretty special.”
He is carrying the Nalaga legacy in rugby as his brother Napolioni Nalaga and father Kavekini Nalaga were both Fiji rugby representatives during their time.
“Not to follow their footsteps but looking forward to beating their footsteps and get a further step to be better than them. Nonetheless I’m grateful for them, they gave me this talent, they showed me how to pass the ball and everything,” he added.
The 20-year-old was part of the Fiji under-20 team last year and played alongside fellow Drua mates Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Mesake Vocevoce, Motikiai Murray and Philip Baselala.
