AT just 19-years-old, Tevita Vuniwaqa Ledua is the youngest player in the Malolo Rugby squad yet his composure on the field belies his age.
This Saturday, the former Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) student will step onto one of the biggest stages in local rugby, the Skipper Cup final when Malolo faces Naitasiri in Suva.
For the soft-spoken playmaker from Bouma, Taveuni, it’s a dream come true.
“I started playing rugby in primary school, but my journey really began when I went to Ratu Kadavulevu School from Year 9 to Year 13,” he said.
“I was part of the RKS Deans team last year that lost to Cuvu College in the quarter-final.”
Now wearing the Malolo colours and playing at first five-eighth, Ledua has quickly learned that provincial rugby is a whole new level.
“Skipper is a different ball game.
“The pace, the physicality, and the pressure are all higher but it’s helping me grow as a player.”
Ledua also had the opportunity to feature in the Farebrother Challenge earlier this season, gaining valuable experience against top-level opponents.
Despite his youth, Ledua’s confidence and calm decision-making have made him an important part of Malolo’s backline.
He credits the senior players and coaches for guiding him through his first Skipper Cup season.
“The senior boys have been very supportive. They encourage me to stay focused and trust my game.”
As Malolo prepares for their historic final against Naitasiri-a team he grew up admiring -Ledua is filled with excitement and anticipation.
“Naitasiri is a well-known team. When we were small, we used to hear stories about Naitasiri rugby, now I’ll be playing against them in a final, it’s something special.”
Ledua, who also represents the Nasigatoka Rugby Club, hopes his journey inspires other young players from the islands to keep chasing their dreams.
“Malolo is a young team, but we believe in ourselves. For me, this is just the beginning.”
