JASA Veremalua is undeniably every Fijian fans favourite, at the last leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
And after ten rounds of a thrilling HSBC series, Veremalua was crowned the overall DHL Impact Player after racking up some huge statistics.
The 27-year-old Korotogo, Baravi, Nadroga hitman was a key player for Fiji all season, contributing significantly to their overall series win. Out of the top seven players, Veremalua had the most off-loads by far, with 69 in total. In addition he also made 135 carries, 116 tackles and 40 breaks showing his true class as an all-round sevens player.
“It’s a huge honour to receive the award and I just want to thank all the boys for the amazing series we have just had. I just love to play rugby and it’s good to win this,” said Veremalua on receiving the award.
In 2013 the Vodafone 7s star turned down an offer to join French club Toulouse because of his dream to play for Fiji at the Olympics.
In an earlier interview with this newspaper, Veremalua said he was playing for Red Rock then and his coach Lote Rasiga was approached about a contract with Toulouse.
“After Rio, hopefully if there is a contract, I’d be grateful to go overseas. Most probably play as a wing because I will have to put on weight to play in the forwards,” Veremalua said
“My main focus that year was Rio. I’m looking forward to it. I want to do my best and represent Fiji.”
Veremalua used to play for the Natabua Sevens team alongside Joji Ragamate and Metuisela Talebula. From there Rasiga took him in and offered to play for Red Rock.
Veremalua also played 15s rugby for Lautoka as a flanker in the 2010 Digicel Cup competition. He played two games and was a replacement for the legendary Viliame Satala.
He attended Sigatoka Methodist Primary School then Sigatoka Methodist College and then went on to St Thomas Secondary School in Lautoka.
He then attended Fiji National University in Ba to do his Diploma in Automobile and Road Transport studies.
Veremalua then joined Senibiau Rugby Club in Nadroga in 2006 and later joined Natabua Rugby Club from 2010-2011.
In 2012, he was named best player to win the Campese-Serevi Medal during the Coral Coast 7s. He was later selected by the then Fiji 7s coach, Alifereti Dere into the 7’s team.
