With rugby in his blood, Wallabies centre Ratu Tevita Kuridrani shares his story on what inspired him to play rugby.
Kuridrani, known for his hard hits, says he followed the footsteps of other family members from his village in Namatakula, Nadroga, who are also renowned rugby players, who created a piece of history with the Wallabies and Flying Fijians.
He said this brought a sense of pride for the family.
“The likes of Noa Nadruku, Luke Erenavula, Temesia Kaumaya, Lote Tuqiri, Mesake Seavula and Peniasi Damu were players that represented Fiji and I looked up to them,” he said.
Kuridani is the son of the former Lelean Memorial School centre Inosi Kuridrani who won the secondary school’s Deans trophy in 1979 and his cousins are former Wallabies winger, Lote Tuqiri and Flying Fijians winger Nemani Nadolo.
The second youngest of four siblings, he said he started rugby at the age of six.
“I represented Vatuwaqa Primary School Kaji rugby team and was part of the Suva Milo Kaji team’s U12 and 13 grades. I played for Lelean Memorial School U15 and 16 before finishing in Brisbane,” said Kuridrani.
Kuridrani was selected in 2010 to play for the Fiji Under-20 team in the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina. In 2011 he was selected to play for Australia in the under 20 team at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship in Italy.
He also played for the Australia 7s teams in 2010–11 IRB Sevens World Series.
Kuridrani plays for the Brumbies in Super Rugby and made his way alongside other superstars for the men in yellow at the 2019 world cup in Japan.
What inspired you to the sport: The previous players and family members who have come out from my village (Namatakula) and went on to represent Fiji and Australia
Describe yourself Easy going and hardworking.
What inspires you to be the person you are today? My parents
What would you describe as your passion in life and how are you going about realising it? Rugby is my passion in life and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to make that passion a reality
The most memorable part of your career– Playing for the Brumbies, beating the British Irish Lions in Canberra, and scoring the only try
I am obsessed with travelling
I am proud of how far I’ve come in rugby and life
Wish I could change nothing, everything happens for a reason
I relax by drinking kava
Biggest weakness My family is my biggest weakness, but also my biggest strength. I would drop anything for my family and if I’m in hard times they are also my biggest support.
List of favourite things PS4, my Phone and guitar
Mother always told me its important to stay humble and treat everything with love
Attitude to exercise only you can change yourself
Favourite food anything my older sister (Silo) cooks
Favourite drink Fiji Water
Favourite book Bible
Favourite movie Training Day
Mentor since childhood my father
Person(s) you would love to meet Bob Marley and Lucky Dube because I listen to most of there songs growing up and there music is both powerful and empowering.
