A ray of sunshine | From tough neighbourhood to pinnacle of rugby

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(Left to Right) Philip Baselala, Sireli Maqala, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Simione Kuruvoli and Viliame Mata. Picture: FIJI TIMES ONLINE

In a community troubled with infamous brawls and other crimes, stands five FIJI Water Flying Fijians representatives whose stories serve as a shining light and a promise of a better future.

There’s no secret about Nabua being one of the marked ‘red zones’ in Suva but through sports, the community has produced some of the best athletes and players that have gone on to represent Fiji.

This was the case for Philip Baselala, Sireli Maqala, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Simione Kuruvoli and Viliame Mata who all came through and played for the Nabua Rugby Club.

Baselala and Kuruvoli are contracted to the Fijian Drua, competing in Super Rugby Pacific while Wainiqolo and Maqala are contracted to professional rugby clubs in France, while Mata plays for Bristol Bears in England’s Premiership Rugby.

The five were in Sunday’s match-day 23 against the Australian Wallabies.

Baselala who made his debut off the bench said: “I’m really thankful for the club as well for opening the door for us.”

Team Manager Paula Biu also played for Nabua.