It will be a special moment for SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua debutant Issak Fines-Leleiwasa when he runs out in the starting lineup against Moana Pasifika today.
Leleiwasa described the opportunity as a privilege and says he is grateful to represent the Drua for the first time.
“Yeah, it’s super exciting and I think it’s a privilege. I’m very grateful to get the opportunity to run out for the Drua. I could see last week the passion, that we love the rugby here. So yeah, super excited for the challenge ahead,” he said.
The move to Fiji has also been a smooth transition for the halfback and his family. He credited the club environment for helping them settle in quickly.
“Yeah, I think I’ve got to thank the club. They’ve been super welcoming. Everyone’s so helpful. I think it’s made the change an easy change in the end because I’ve had a lot of support from the coaches, from the players. My family’s sitting in quite well.”
After spending several years playing overseas in Australia, Leleiwasa says adapting to the local conditions has been part of the experience, but his focus is firmly on contributing to the team’s success.
“Well, definitely the humidity. No, but it’s been a good change. As you said, I’ve played a few years overseas and I think the end goal is to make the Drua as successful as I can. Work hard for the club and give back as much as I can. So yeah, I’m super excited about that.”
Since joining the squad after the new year, he has been impressed with the work ethic within the camp and is eager to finally take the field.
“Yeah, it’s been good. We’ve trained hard. The boys have been training before the Christmas break for over seven, eight weeks and I’ve joined the club just after the new year.
“So yeah, I’ve worked hard for the last five weeks and I’m super excited to just get out there and play some rugby now,” he added.
