At just 20 years old, Phillip Baselala has already proven he has the resilience to overcome challenges and win a place for himself in the world of professional rugby.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua scrumhalf reflects on 2024 as a year of highs and lows—a journey marked by personal growth and unwavering commitment.
For Baselala, one of the toughest hurdles of the year was recovering from surgery, a setback that sidelined him for eight months.
“It was a challenging time for me,” he shared.
“Coming out of surgery and not being able to play was tough, but I worked hard to get back on the field.”
His return to rugby wasn’t just a testament to his physical recovery but also a reflection of his mental strength and passion for the sport.
Having made his mark as the youngest player to transition from the Fiji Secondary Schools Deans rugby competition into the Fijian Drua squad, Baselala debuted in the Super Rugby Pacific competition against the Melbourne Rebels in Suva.
To date, he has made four appearances in the Shop n Save Super Rugby competition, with aspirations for even greater achievements in the coming seasons.
As he looks ahead to 2025, Baselala has one clear objective: to secure more game time.
“There’s a lot of competition from my brothers in the squad,” he said.
“But I’ll have to try my best and put in the work to make it happen.”
The upcoming Super Rugby season promises to be even tougher with a new format in place. Baselala acknowledges the challenge but expresses confidence in the team’s preparations.
“Pre-season has been tough, but all the players are fit and ready. It’s going to be a tough competition, but the boys are working hard,” he said.
Hailing from Solotavui, Nakasaleka in Kadavu, Baselala’s journey is an inspiration to young athletes across Fiji.
