LIVEWIRE hooker Ratunaisa Navuma is still trying to come to terms with his selection in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians outfit for the Europe tour.
The 22-year-old from Tilivalevu Village in Nadroga says he is privileged to be the first from his village to be selected in the national rugby team.
He was at the centre of attraction from his fellow villagers and loved ones during his farewell as he left with five other local players at the Nadi International Airport yesterday.
The soft-spoken hooker said being selected for the tour was a huge milestone for his rugby career.
“This is a huge opportunity for me and I thank the Almighty God for blessing me with rugby talents.
“I am honoured to finally fulfil my dream and I am even more grateful to be the first from my village to be selected in the Flying Fijians team.
“I have been playing for Nadroga for the past four years and I believe hard work and sacrifice have been rewarded with this selection.”
Navuma started his rugby at flanker but was later shifted to hooker when he joined the champion BLK Nadroga Stallions team.
He said the experience he gained from his Drua team during the PRC really helped him reach this far.
Navuma said he was looking forward to playing and training alongside some of the star players he only watched while playing for the Nadroga team.
“It is a dream come true to play alongside some of the star players I used to watch them on TV few years ago.
“This is an opportunity I will cherish at the same time I know I am there to learn at the same time prove my worth if given the nod to play.
“This is the break I have been looking for and I will try and learn the most from these experienced players.”
Navuma thanked his parents for their support and upbringing that enabled him to reach this far.
“Without the support from my parents I don’t think I will be here today.”
“I dedicate this achievement to them likewise to all the loved ones at Tilivalevu Village in Nadroga,” he added.
