FOR most young rugby players, earning an overseas contract is the fulfilment of a dream.
But for 17-year-old Jeremiah James Balemaivatubalavu Suveinaika, that dream has already become a reality.
The Year 12 student at Suva Grammar School recently secured a rugby scholarship with French club Lyon, a significant milestone for the talented back who hails from Wailotua, Wainibuka, in Tailevu.
As the eldest of five siblings, Suveinaika’s rugby journey has been built on hard work, sacrifice and commitment to continuous improvement.
Comfortable at both second five-eighth and fullback, he has established himself as one of the promising young talents in secondary schools’ rugby and is now preparing to take the next step in his development overseas.
Initially, Suveinaika had secured a rugby scholarship to attend Hamilton Boys’ High School in New Zealand next year.
However, an opportunity to further his rugby development in France emerged after Flying Fijians stars Iosefo Masi and Jiuta Wainiqolo approached and encouraged him to pursue a scholarship with Lyon.
“After New Year, they messaged me. They (Masi and Wainiqolo) have been contacting me, and they said this is a good opportunity for me. I feel very lucky because I got this contract at a young age,” he said.
Despite the excitement surrounding his move to France, Suveinaika remains grounded and focused on the task at hand.
Inspired by players such as Damian McKenzie and Jerome Kaino, he hopes the opportunity at Lyon will help elevate his game and expose him to a higher standard of rugby.
“Damian McKenzie is one player I always look up to. He’s not the biggest player on the field, but every time he plays, he gives everything for his team,” Suveinaika said.
“I’ve been watching him since I was young, and I try to learn from the way he plays and carries himself on the field.”
He also credits former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino as a major influence.
“I used to watch Jerome Kaino when I was growing up. His work ethic and toughness inspired me.”
Suveinaika believes the scholarship will provide valuable opportunities to learn from the experienced coaches and compete against some of the world’s best young players.
“I’m still only 17, and I know there’s a lot for me to learn. There are many good players in France, and I believe the coaches there can help me improve and become a better rugby player in the future.”
While France represents an exciting chapter ahead, his immediate focus remains on Suva Grammar School and the upcoming Deans’ competition.
Suveinaika is part of a talented under-17 side that has enjoyed remarkable success over the past two seasons.
Since winning the under-15 Deans title in 2024, the group has remained unbeaten, adding the under-16 championship last year to establish itself as one of the most dominant age-grade teams in the competition.
He played a key role in last year’s campaign, helping Grammar defeat Gospel High School in both the Southern Zone final and the national final.
Now, the team is chasing a third consecutive title.
Suva Grammar’s under-17 side will open its Southern Zone campaign against Jai Narayan College this Saturday, a match Suveinaika expects to be a stern test despite his team’s impressive record.
“We don’t underestimate any team. Every game is a final because we know this year will be tough for us.”
For now, France can wait.
Before beginning his overseas journey, Suveinaika has one goal in mind: helping Suva Grammar continue its winning legacy and bring another Deans title back to Veiuto.
