At just 22, Ra Rugby fly-half Epeli Bobo is already dreaming of following in the footsteps of his father, former Flying Fijians star and Ra coach Sireli Bobo.
Epeli was part of the Ra side that defeated Northland 17-10 in the Vodafone Vanua Cup final, ending a 28-year wait for the coveted title.
The victory was made even more special as he played under his father, with his family watching proudly from the sideline.
“My memorable moment was looking at my mother running up and down on the field cheering me on and my dad standing on the sideline motivating us,” Bobo said. The Nawairuku, Ra native said his father’s guidance has played an important role in his development, both on and off the field.
“One main message my dad always reminds me is to always put God first in everything that I do,” he said.
Representing his vanua was another proud moment for the young playmaker.
“It’s an honour to represent my vanua and play under Dad.”
The road to the Vanua Cup triumph was not an easy one.
Bobo recalled that Ra started the season with only seven players and faced plenty of challenges along the way.
“Starting off the season, we started with seven players. It was not an easy journey. We struggled, but hats off to the boys for their commitment and hard work,” he said.
Their hard work eventually paid off when they overcame Northland in the final to lift the title after 28 years.
Now, Bobo has set his sights on a bigger goal, earning a place in the Flying Fijians squad, just like his father.
“My aim is to be a Flying Fijian just like my dad, and if I can get an overseas contract, that would be good.”
Bobo joined the Ra community yesterday in celebrating the historic triumph, a victory that he hopes will become the foundation of his own journey towards the international stage.
