KALIOVA Saunirogo was overwhelmed with emotions yesterday as he watched his little brother Joji Nasova run out for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the first time in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
Nasova’s family braved the rain and the flooded roads of Ba to make it to Churchill Park in Lautoka and celebrate Nasova’s maiden match at home.
While speaking to this newspaper, Saunirogo shared with teary eyes just how monumental yesterday was for them as a family.
“We come from a very humbling family background. Our hustle started on the cane fields in Ba. They didn’t do well in school so we all agreed for them to come to Suva to play rugby. Fast forward to a few years, we have Nasova here for the Drua and another brother of ours is contracted in France.”
Saunirogo said their journey has been one of true perseverance and sacrifice.
“I cried the first time I saw him in that white jersey while playing for the Fiji 7s team. It has been quite a journey, at one point I went for the NEC scheme in Australia and I was supporting them with everything they need and now he is where we wanted his rugby to be.”
He hopes Nasova’s performance was enough to guarantee selection for their next game which will be played in their hometown of Ba.
“We told him to play to the best of his ability, score a few tries and ensure that gets selected again for the next game which will be held in Ba.
“If that happens, it will be a special moment for our entire family. The family, the relatives will for sure be there to cheer him on,” he said.
Nasova will surely have an impact on the Drua once he leaves as this was his first and last season for the Fijian club.
