HIGHLANDERS flanker Veveni Lasaqa returned home to Natabua last Friday, ending a 14-year absence that brought an emotional reunion with his grandmother Emele Lasaqa who raised him.
The 23-year-old is one of four Fijians named in the Highlanders squad for the 2026 Super Rugby season, capping off what has been a breakthrough year for the Lautoka-born loose forward.
Lasaqa surprised his grandmother, Emele Lasaqa, when he arrived unannounced at their family home.
“I drove up the roadside. I looked up and saw my grandmother looking at me and couldn’t recognise me just when I shouted her name and she ran to hug me.
“It was an emotional return after 14 years,” Lasaqa told Times sport.
He left Fiji for New Zealand, completing high school at Tauranga Boys’ College after starting at Natabua Primary School. His father, Viliame Lasaqa, took him abroad to secure a better future, leaving his grandmother as his primary caregiver during his early years in Lautoka.
This season marked Lasaqa’s first year with the Highlanders, an opportunity he says he is grateful for.
“Firstly, it was my first year playing for rugby. I’m really grateful for the opportunity. It was my first year. Yeah, it was my first year playing and it was really great. Hopefully, the next two years will be better.”
He said his focus now is building confidence and improving individually.
“Hopefully, just take the confidence for next year and apply myself into that. Heading on to 2026.”
Lasaqa has roots in Verata, Tailevu, while his mother is from Vanua Levu.
Lasaqa excited about playing at 4R Stadium
The young flanker is also excited about the Highlanders’ confirmed Super Rugby match against the Fijian Drua on May 2 in Ba’s new 4R Stadium.
“It’s going to be a tough one. Even coming now, I’m struggling with the heat. Coming into that, it’s going to be a shock to the body. Especially from Fiji, it’s pretty hot here. And New Zealand is cold. It’s going to be a tough game. So, I’m excited for that.”
When asked if playing in Ba would feel like home, knowing he grew up in Lautoka, he said:
“Yeah, it’s going to be a tough one. Hopefully the boys just stick to the plan and come out with a win.”
For now, Lasaqa is simply enjoying being back with family especially the grandmother who shaped his early journey, long before returning to New Zealand today.
