Swire Shipping Fijian Drua forward Iosefo Masi has dedicated his success in rugby to his family members.
Originally from Waitabu Village in Wainikeli, Taveuni, Masi joined the Drua after a trial with NRL club, the North Queensland Cowboys.
“My family is the reason for my sacrifices and they’re also the reason for my achievements. I left the village in Taveuni to come to pursue a career in rugby,” Masi said.
The 24-year-old added the support received from his family had been immense.
“I didn’t know I would reach this far but I know for sure it has always been the prayers of my family and my village that led me here. To be part of the Drua team to the Super Rugby Pacific is a huge thing and I will always dedicate it back home.”
While playing for the Fiji 7s team, Masi won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is also a Sevens Rugby World Cup winner in South Africa last year.
He says the switch to rugby league did not work for him and he will for now concentrate on the Fijian Drua.
“First, switching to rugby league was not in the books for me, I had dreams of making it into the 7s squad which I have achieved.
“I made the decision to join rugby league for the experience and I am proud to say that I have really learnt a lot from there. Now that I’m in the Fijian Drua side, I will give my equal best.”
The 2023 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific kicks off next month and the Fijian Drua will play Moana Pasifika in its first match in Auckland.
The match kicks off at 3.35pm on Saturday, February 25.
