TEVITA Kuridrani had never imagined even in his wildest dream that he would be as successful as he is in rugby today.
Forget about becoming a Wallaby.
That had not even crossed his mind while growing up in Namatakula — a village renowned for producing rugby stars.
The 23-year-old had passion for rugby from his childhood days and his dream was just to play professionally some day.
Donning the green and gold jumper was never part of that dream.
And it happened when he least expected it.
“When I got the first call up, I was shocked,” Kuridrani said in an interview with Times Sport.
“I didn’t believe it but I knew that was my chance to play at the top level.”
Kuridrani’s journey to stardom began in his early school days with Vatuwaqa Primary School.
Inspired by the achievements of his uncle and NRL star, Noa Nadruku, and cousin and former Wallaby, Lote Tuqiri, Kuridrani had pretty much made up his made on what to do with his life.
He knew his future rested on the oval ball.
“I think Noa Nadruku and Lote Tuqiri played a big part in my life,” he said.
“Growing up as a little kid, I always wanted to be a professional rugby player but yeah, Wallaby wasn’t something I dreamt of, it just came.”
Kuridrani moved to Lelean Memorial School, an institution known for moulding rugby players, for his secondary education.
At the age of 17, he moved to Australia with his family and joined the Corinda State High School.
Since the school didn’t have a rugby team, Kuridrani had to sacrifice his weekend to play club rugby in Brisbane.
It was through club rugby he managed to break into the Fiji under-20 side and played in the 2010 Junior World Cup before changing his allegiance to make his Australian 7s debut in the 2010-11 IRB 7s season.
In 2011, he played for the Australian U20 in the 2011 JWC before joining Brumbies on a two-year contract starting in 2012.
Within a year, he became the Australian Super Rugby franchise’s top choice centre.
Kuridrani made his Wallabies debut against the All Blacks on August 17, 2013 in Sydney.
And that was it. Life hasn’t been the same for him since.
“I think I have become more matured, more confident with my role in the team and that has helped me a lot in my games.”
Kuridrani, who is the middle child between two sisters and a brother, gives credit to his family for all the success in his rugby career.
A lot of his success has probably to do with his link to one of the most talented sporting families in the country.
Apart from uncle Nadruku and cousin Tuqiri, Kuridrani comes from a family which also belongs to Chris Kuridrani, Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders), Samu Wara (former Western Force), Alipate and Kaliova Tani (Fiji Bati) and Iliseva Batibasaga (Australian women’s 7s).
“I think family plays a big part in my rugby. They always supported me ever since I started playing rugby and in everything I do, I always do it for them.
“I play for my family.
“I think being a Fijian also helps. Fijians are known for rugby and I think that has sort of helped me come this far.”
Kuridrani hopes to use those traits to fight for a place in the Wallabies squad to the Rugby World Cup in England this year.
With Fiji pooled together with the Wallabies, the opportunity to play against his own is his biggest inspiration to achieve this goal.
“I still have to work hard to retain my spot and for this season, it will be tougher because it’s World Cup and everyone wants to be in the 32 men squad.”
Kuridrani’s advice to aspiring rugby players is to “dream big and you will get there.
“You can achieve it”.
And that coming from someone who knows the value of dreams is pretty inspirational.
