Explosive is probably the best way to describe Onisi Sirikoso Ratave.
From the minute he burst on to the rugby scene and caught the attention of Fiji Rugby Union technical officials, the Naqarani, Rewa, villager has never failed to impress fans with every carry of the oval ball.
The 1.79m outside back weighs in at 99kg and possesses uncanny speed and explosive power off-the-mark – often leaving defenders in awe of his tackle breaking runs.
“We are very happy that he is carrying our family name and showcasing the talent that he has,” said Onisi’s father, Josua Ratave.
“He is a very hard worker and we are not surprised to see where rugby has taken him.”
Onisi is the second eldest of four children, After completing his education at the John Wesley Academy, he decided to stay home and help around the house.
“I was formerly employed by Morris Hedstrom so I told him to apply and work alongside me at their bulk store.
“He did that and was working and playing for the Vunikoro club here at Kinoya Village.
“They used to have competitions at Ram Lakhan Park in Samabula and it was usually organised by the Naitasiri Rugby Union.”
Josua acknowledged the executives and management at the National Fire Authority (NFA) for giving him employment.
“He was working and playing and one day decided to apply to the NFA and by God’s grace, he got accepted.
“I thank the NFA for providng employment for my son and nurturing his talent to the stage where the world has come to know of him.”
Josua also thanked his son for always thinking of his family here and for providing for them.
“I would like to wish Onisi all the best for his preparations and training and for always being there for us when we needed him.
“He bought us a TV to watch his games and it is a wonderful sight to see him score tries and represent the country as a member of the Drua.”
Onisi’s wife, Losalini, said their children always looked forward to watching their dad play. “We are always excited to cheer him on,” she said.
“Our second eldest son, Josua, aspires to be like his father and I am sure that he will follow in his footsteps.”
She said her husband was always full of surprises and shared about how he told them he had been chosen to be part of the Bay of Plenty side in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) in New Zealand.
“He called us a few days before they (Flying Fijians) were scheduled to depart from New Zealand (last year) and said that he was not returning with the team and that if I could pick up his luggage from the Fiji Rugby Union office.
“I really thought he was joking and the kids were sad when I told them the news. “He spent four months in New Zealand and decided to surprise the family when he came back home.
“I told my in-laws that I was going to take the kids to Sigatoka to pick a package sent by Onisi.
“Once we were near his parents’ house, he took a photo of it and sent it to their family group chat, prompting his siblings to think that he was reminiscing about home and had sent it just to let them know he missed them.
“Little did they know that he was standing outside.”
Losalini said she hoped they would be able to spend time with Onisi when the team takes on the Highlanders at the ANZ Stadium in Suva at the end of the month.
“We’ve only spent a week and three days with him before they departed for Lennox Head last year and we really miss him.
“Our youngest son, Onisi Jr, did not recognise his father when he came home last year and it would be nice to spend some time with him before they head back.”
She said the children were eagerly looking forward to watching their dad play at the stadium.
“We have bought our shirts and tickets and we are looking forward to seeing my husband on his homeground.
“We always thank God for his talent and for always giving him the strength he needs in every game.
“I would just like to wish Onisi all the best in the coming games and that we will be waiting for him after the game because we really miss him”.
Onisi began his educational journey at Delainamasi Government School before attending John Wesley College for his secondary education. His rugby journey was no easy ride and it is an enticing and remarkable tale.
He first joined the Naqarani Rugby Club and his performances drafted him into the Rewa provincial side. He then joined the Bay Babaas Kavala side before joining the remarkable First-Light Taveuni team.
He later joined the NFA and became a part of their rugby program featuring for the Fire 7s team in tournaments around the country.
He joined the Namosi provincial side competing in the Skipper Cup and Farebrother Sullivan trophy competitions where he was paired with Drua teammate Kalaveti Ravouvou in the centres.
The duo were remarkable as they destroyed defenders week-in, week-out and were holders of the coveted Farebrother- Sullivan trophy in 2020.
His game-breaking ability earned him a spot with the Fiji 7s team preparing for the 2020 Olympics. He was then part of the Flying Fijians squad last year that faced the All Blacks.
Even though he never made it in the run-on team, Onisi certainly turned heads at their warm-ups and team training sessions, prompting Bay of Plenty (BOP) officials to come running for his services.
He lit up the NPC last year with commentators comparing him to world-renowned winger Rupeni ‘The Bua Bullet’ Caucaunibuca.
With three tries in three appearances for the Steamers, teams in the New Zealand conferences sought after the Naqarani man’s signature but the Drua were first in line for him.
Onisi’s performance in their match against the Brumbies will bolster his chances of being in the runon side against the Highlanders here in the Capital.
He will play on the wing this weekend against the Blues and will face up against the in-form Mark Telea at the AAMI Stadium in Melbourne tonight.
