His paternal ancestors come from an island renowned for firewalkers who walk on hot stones, but Jona Vakanabu Mataiciwa is determined to make a name for himself burning up a different kind of turf.
The rugby field.
Whether at wing or fullback, the 1.83m tall and 90kg Fijian Drua warrior is blazing his own path.
The 21-year-old said he was very aware that many a Fijian youngster had put their hand up, but only a select few like himself managed to make the cut.
The lad with maternal links to Nalele Village in Cikobia said he was grateful for the opportunity, and determined to earn his keep as a member of the national Super Rugby side.
He has been playing rugby and progressing up the ranks from the tender age of 10, when his family migrated to New Zealand in 2011. In an exclusive interview with The Fiji Times, Mataiciwa said being part of a Super Rugby team was a dream come true.
“Making it into Super Rugby has always been one of my biggest goals and I have ticked off something from my bucket list,” he said.
“Coming off the bench and making my debut for my home team the Fijian Drua is something I will cherish and I will cherish all the memories and teachings.”
Mataiciwa said he was pleasantly surprised upon receiving news of his inclusion into the squad.
“I actually did not let my parents know of my selection at first because nothing had been fully confirmed when I got the news.
“Once I got confirmation, I gladly told them and they were really stoked and happy for me and this was just a few days before I was scheduled to join the team at Lennox Head.
“They advised me to always give my best shot and to proudly represent my home nation.”
Playing in top level competition is always daunting for any player, but more so for any youngster, especially in high adrenaline sports like Super Rugby.
Mataiciwa says he tries his best to stay composed despite all the criticism, the hype and the pressure.
“I have to pinch myself every now and then because I still cannot believe what is happening.
“I grew up watching all of these Super Rugby players who have been playing for different clubs throughout the years.
“It is a huge honour to play against these seasoned and experienced players and I am blessed to share it with my Drua brothers.”
Mataiciwa acknowledged all the sacrifices and hardships his parents had to go through to provide a better life for him and his siblings.
“I would like to thank my family members who are my biggest supporters.
“Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made and for sticking with me through tough times, urging me to persevere and trusting that I had what it took to reach the big leagues.”
Mataiciwa has an impressive playing record.
He attended Saint Kentigern College and represented the school’s 1st XV for three years.
He then moved to provincial rugby representing the Bay of Plenty U19s and was selected into the Chiefs U20 squad.
Mataiciwa was part of the NZ 7s development camp and won the most valuable player (MVP) award from the Red Bull Ignite 7s tournament in 2019.
He was part of domestic club rugby in NZ until his selection into the Drua squad for the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
His advice to budding rugby players is not to give up when things get tough.
“My advice to aspiring rugby players is just to work hard and making sure you do the small things right, even when there is no one around to witness your work.
“Next is to always be patient and trusting that the Lord has plans for you. You may have your own plans and goals but He has the last say.”
