Never in ‘a million years’ did former US Rugby international and Fijian-born Jone Naqica ever think he would be inducted into the 2025 US Rugby Hall of Fame, but it’s exactly what happened to him last Saturday.
He was inducted alongside 11 others, at a ceremony held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C., USA.
Speaking to The Fiji Times following his induction, the Nawaisomo, Naitasiri gentleman said it was truly a humbling experience.
“This is truly a tremendous honor and I’m beyond humbled and grateful to the USA Rugby Foundation committee that voted me into the USA Rugby Hall of Fame,” Naqica said.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be inducted into the USA Rugby Hall of Fame.”
Naqica first donned the American jersey in his debut against South Africa in 2000, where he scored two tries.
He also switched codes to rugby sevens from 2001 to 2010, and captained the team from 2006 to 2010.
Prior to becoming a part of US Rugby, he played rugby in his primary and secondary school days for Rara District School and Ratu Kadavulevu School respectively.
With the achievement being a source of great joy for him and his family, he says their presence at the induction was a blessing for him.
Naqica, now living in Denver, Colorado, has since turned to coaching after calling it a day on the field back in 2014, and after his induction he plans to continue contributing in that path to the development of the sport in the United States.
“I personally want to thank a lot of people. I want to dedicate this honour to my family, my late father Sitiveni Naqica, my mom Colleen Naqica and brother Brian Naqica.
“From humble beginnings in Naitasiri, Fiji to Denver, Colorado. It wasn’t always easy, but my family is always there through all the highs and lows.”
The induction ceremony honoured not just former players like Naqica, but also coaches, referees, administrators, journalists, medical supporters and supporters.
