Standing tall at 2.01metres, Ba’s gentle giant Isaia Lotawa is one step closer to fulfilling his rugby dream donning the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and Flying Fijians jersey.
The Shop N Save Fijian Warriors lock, who hails from Nalotawa Village in Yakete, Ba, has quietly made his mark in Fiji’s rugby scene after an impressive season with the Ba Rugby Union in the 2025 Skipper Cup competition.
Lotawa captained Ba in their quarter-final clash against Naitasiri at Lawaqa Park last week a proud moment for the Western side that continues to grow in confidence and ability.
“This is a big opportunity.
“Coming out from the local competitions with these local boys and being part of this Fijian Warriors team means a lot. It shows that hard work at the provincial level is being recognised,” Lotawa said.
While Ba’s Skipper Cup campaign ended earlier than hoped, Lotawa said there were still many positives to take away.
“Obviously the season didn’t end the way we wanted it’s not where you want to stop but we’re moving forward. Now we have four players from Ba in the Warriors squad, and that shows rugby in Ba is progressing and growing.
Competing at this level is great for the boys,” he added.
The Warriors’ environment, Lotawa said, has been both inspiring and eye-opening.
“It’s been good. We have great coaching staff and getting that exposure to high-level coaching and culture has helped me grow as a player,” he said.
Lotawa’s passion for the game runs deep.
“What I love about Fijian rugby is that everywhere you go, there’s rugby. The support from the Vanua will always be there. We truly have the best rugby fans in the world, and that atmosphere playing alongside the boys you don’t get that anywhere else.”
A journey across borders
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Lotawa’s rugby journey began in the United States, where he played Division 1A rugby for Saint Mary’s College of California from 2018 to 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic brought him back home to Fiji, where he continued to chase his rugby dream, representing the Fiji U23s and studying at the University of the South Pacific.
In 2023, Lotawa played 104 minutes across four matches for the Seattle Seawolves in the Major League Rugby (MLR) competition. The following year, he joined Seattle Rugby Club for the 2024 MLR season before returning to Fiji to re-establish himself locally.
Now, the 6-foot-7 lock has his eyes set on the next chapter representing his country at the highest level.
“My goal is to make it to the Fijian Drua and then the Flying Fijians,” he said confidently.
“That’s the dream to represent my family, my village, and my country.”
From the cool hills of Nalotawa to the rugby pitches of the United States, Isaia Lotawa’s story is one of resilience, faith, and a deep love for the game a towering reminder that no dream is too high to reach.
