It was a breakthrough debut for 17-year-old Simon Koroiyadi after coming off the bench in the Leicester Tigers 28-36 defeat to Newcastle Falcons in their Premiership Rugby Cup on Saturday.
The Mudu, Koro, Lomaiviti rugger played alongside Flying Fijians full-back Kini Murimurivalu.
The Leicester Tigers Academy rugby player was a late-afternoon call-up after Olly Robinson stayed behind to be with his wife who is due to give birth.
Simon claimed the 2021-02 Leicester Tigers under-18 academy Player’s player of the year award which was awarded to him during the halftime match between Tiger and London Irish a week ago.
His father Maku was a former Fiji under-18 captain.
Maku was a late call-up to the Flying Fijians’ Europe tour in 2013 and played in the team’s 19-43 loss to the Barbarians.
Simon’s mother Seruwaia said she was very emotional to see her son run into the field as he was only 17
. “Couldn’t be more proud of him,” Seruwaia said from the UK.
“It seems just like yesterday when we started this journey five years ago.”
She said it was a proud moment for their family, friends and thanked them for their support.
