From when he was nine, Penioni Tagituimua dreamed of joining his father, Pastor Ilaitia Tagituimua at a Rugby League World Cup event.
That dream came true this year when the 23-year-old was a late call-up into the Fiji Bati squad.
He joined his dad at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in the United Kingdom.
While the Bati has had many siblings playing together, this would have to be the first father-and-son combination at a world cup.
Penioni’s rugby league journey kicked off in 2013 when he joined the Nadera Panthers under-16 team.
He won a scholarship to study and play in the UK in 2015 and four years later he made his debut for the Bati against Lebanon.
His father’s journey with the side started in 2006 when he was appointed team chaplain.
This year’s world cup is Pasor Ilaitia’s fourth.
“I’m so blessed to have my dad here with me. He has been working with the team (Bati) since the 2008 world cup,” Penioni said.
“I remember back in 2008 when he first started working with the team and I was sitting at home with my siblings, watching all Fiji’s games.
“We would all get excited when we saw dad on TV, and to be here with him today and making my first world cup for Fiji is a huge blessing. Dad has played a big role in my rugby career. He has been by my side ever since I played footy for Veiuto Primary School. He’s always put me on the right path and encouraged me when I have bad days. I’m so blessed to have him.”
Pastor Ilaitia said this year’s world cup was memorable because Penioni was by his side.
“Seeing my son being part of this world cup is special,” he said.
“For the past three world cups he was always be at home and he would tell me how one day he would like to go with me. I’ve always supported Penioni in his rugby journey and he knows that.”
Penioni will start against Scotland tomorrow in a must-win match for the Bati to progress further in the competition.
