Once a kid, who watched his rugby heroes on the television screen, Joji Nasova will join them on the field —on a mission to win Fiji’s third gold at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Nasova could vividly recall the days he used to sit in front of the TV to cheer on the Fiji 7s men’s team fight for glory at the two Olympic Games in Rio and Japan.
At the time, Nasova would only imagine playing alongside star players such as Jerry Tuwai, filled with determination that one day he would don the famous white jumper.
The Toge villager from Ba could not fathom his excitement when head coach Osea Kolinisau announced his name as one of the final 15 players selected to carry Fiji’s golden legacy in 7s rugby at the Olympics.
“Firstly, I’d like to give God the glory for His protection and plans. God has never forsaken me once and He has heard my prayers, allowing me to be one of the chosen 15 to represent Fiji at the Paris Olympic Games,” he said with a glimmer in his eyes while speaking to this newspaper.
The 23-year-old made his World SVNS Series debut in this year’s Hong Kong 7s — quickly capturing the attention of rugby pundits with commentators labelling him as Fiji’s next “big thing”.
Even Kolinisau praised the work ethic of the young man, comparing his style of play to that of the hard-running and physical former Fiji 7s star, Savenaca Rawaca.
“I thank the coaches for believing in me and for selecting me. When my name was announced, I was really emotional, I cried tears of joy just knowing that they see and trust my potential to carry this huge responsibility with my brothers,” Nasova said.
The Dominion Brothers rover, who was contracted to a club in Beijing last year, is in awe of how quickly his dreams are turning into reality.
“In camp when some of the players were dropped from the squad, I tried my best to keep going and maintain the level required in fitness as well as the knowledge of the game.
“This will be my first Olympics. I grew up watching players such as Tuwai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Teri Tamani and Waisea Nacuqu don the white jumper and do wonders for Fiji. I’m really excited and grateful to be able to play alongside them in Paris,” he said.
During a previous interview with this newspaper, the 2023 Pacific Games gold medallist revealed that his journey is deeply rooted and driven by the struggles of his family.
“My parents are my motivation, seeing their struggles from when I was young to support me and my siblings. My mum passed away when I was very young, but I thank God that He kept me safe, He gave me a father who did not give up on me and my siblings.
“He is a farmer and there were some things that he was able to provide and other things we just prayed to God to provide.
“I’m truly grateful to my father for supporting us with the little that we have and for being my backbone in my rugby journey.
“In my first game (Hong Kong) as we were standing in the tunnel ready to run out to the field, I thought of my late mother and my dad. I know their prayers and faith in God got me that far. Despite our struggles, they were always doing their best to ensure that we live our dreams,” Nasova said.
Nasova attended Toge Primary School, Nukuloa College and Ba Provincial Freebird Institute. He played rugby league with Ba Pro before jumping to rugby union where he represented Naitasiri U20.
He burst into the 7s scene after being impressive for Dominion Brothers and was part of the Fiji 7s team that won gold at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.
