FOR 27-year-old Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, the opportunity to represent Fiji is about much more than rugby.
It is about family, sacrifice, faith and fulfilling a dream that has travelled across generations.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens carries strong Fijian connections through his family roots in Moturiki, Lomaviti. Now, after earning a place in the Fiji Water Flying Fijians squad, he stands on the brink of potentially making one of the proudest moments in his family’s history a reality.
His first reaction upon learning of his selection was one he will never forget.
“I was very happy, very grateful,” he said.
“I called my mum and she started crying on the phone. It was a hard and joyful moment for my family.”
But perhaps the greatest motivation behind his journey is his grandparents.
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens said it had long been their wish to see someone from their family wear the famous white Flying Fijians jersey.
“It would mean everything for my grandparents, it was one of their wishes to see one of their family play for the Flying Fijians, so to potentially be able to do that would be a dream come true,” he said.
Behind the excitement of reaching the national squad has been years of persistence, particularly during moments when opportunities did not always come his way.
For Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, the greatest sacrifice was continuing to turn up and put in the work, even when the future was uncertain.
“I think just showing up, even when opportunities haven’t always been there, just still doing the work behind the scenes and trusting in the Lord,” he said.
“If it’s meant to be, then it’s meant to be.”
That perseverance has brought him into camp with some of Fiji’s most experienced rugby players, an environment he says has helped him grow in confidence with every training session.
“It’s been awesome. The boys have been very welcoming and I’m learning heaps off them. Each session feels more confident and more comfortable,” he said.
With the Pacific Nations Cup presenting a possible pathway to his Test debut, the young player says he is ready should the opportunity arrive.
“If the opportunity presents itself, I would be extremely grateful and ready.”
For Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, a Flying Fijians debut would not simply mark the next chapter of a rugby career.
It would be the fulfilment of a family’s dream that helped shape his journey to Fiji’s national jersey.
