MARIST Brothers Primary School was the place to be on Friday as three Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players, including loose forward Joe Tamani, visited the school as part of the Drua community blitz.

The program is aimed at inspiring the next generation of Fijian rugby players while promoting healthy lifestyles and discipline among students.

Joe Tamani, a native of Ovalau, shared heartfelt advice with the students, encouraging them to set big goals and work hard to achieve them.

Speaking about his role as a mentor, he said, “It’s a great feeling to be a role model for these kids. They’re looking up to us now, and it’s our job to inspire them to reach their goals, whether it’s becoming a rugby player or succeeding in other areas of life.”

Tamani emphasized the importance of sacrifice, discipline, and maintaining a positive mindset, not just in rugby but in life.

He reminded students that success requires consistent effort, saying, “There are sacrifices you must make, especially when it comes to training and how you take care of yourself. In tough moments, you must train your mindset, push through the challenges and keep working hard.”

The visit struck a chord with the students, many of whom aspire to follow in the footsteps of their rugby heroes.

Tamani reflected on his own journey, recalling how he once stood where these young fans are now, looking up to professional players for inspiration.

“I was just like them, watching professional players and dreaming. Now, it’s about helping these kids take the right steps and avoid some of the struggles we went through,” he said.