Former Flying Fijians centre and Nadroga head coach Esala Nauga will be laid to rest tomorrow at his home village in Nadroumai, Nadroga.
Nadroga Rugby Union president Jiuta Waqavonovono said Nauga’s passing had left a huge void in Nadroga Rugby, especially during a crucial rebuilding phase for the Stallions.
“We will really miss him, especially now that we are working on rebuilding our combinations and team structure. Coach Esala Nauga has been a pillar of strength for Nadroga Rugby.
“He will be dearly missed by Nadroga Rugby and the Fiji Rugby fraternity as a whole,” Waqavonovono said,
The Nadroga Rugby Union working with Nadroga Legends will accompany his body from the morgue to his village in Nadroumai, where he will be laid to rest.
“Nauga is known for his humility, quiet leadership, and deep love for the game.”
A stalwart of the Nadroga Stallions during the 1990s, Nauga was a skilful and powerful inside centre who played alongside greats like Napolioni Vitau, Jonetani Waqa, Noa Nadruku, Tevita Nabura, and Sunia Nasilasila.
In 1995, he was part of the Nadroga team that reclaimed the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy with a memorable 18–11 victory over Nadi at Lawaqa Park. Nadroga then went on to dominate provincial rugby, defending the trophy against Suva, Tavua, Rewa, Lautoka, Vatukoula, and Naitasiri North throughout the decade.
Between 1992 and 1994, Nauga represented Fiji in eight international test matches, taking on world-class opponents including Japan, Samoa, Tonga, Māori All Blacks, and Wales.
After hanging up his boots, Nauga transitioned into coaching and once again, success followed. As head coach of Nadroga Rugby, he guided the team to multiple Skipper Cup titles and several Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy victories, re-establishing Nadroga as the powerhouse of provincial rugby.
He was named Skipper Cup Coach of the Year in 2014, a recognition of his tactical brilliance and player development. Many of the stars he mentored went on to wear the Fiji jersey and play professionally overseas.
Beyond rugby, Nauga served the nation as a police officer retiring with the rank of Regular Corporal in the Fiji Police Force. His discipline and humility on the rugby field mirrored his service in uniform.
Nauga will be remembered not only as a rugby legend, but as a humble servant, mentor, and proud son of Nadroga. His legacy lives on through the players he nurtured, the teams he built, and the communities he touched.
