Suva rugby team flyhalf Meli Kurisaru continues to make an impact with his rugby career to his two-year-old son Ratu Meli Kurisaru Jr.
The Nasama rugger from Nadroga is one of the standout players of the 2020 Skipper Cup season.
His prominence and onfield prowess helped the Capital City side retain the Skipper Cup for the year when its season closed at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday.
Kurisaru was among players who were part of Suva’s three-year win as champion. He helped Suva wrest the Skipper Cup away from his home province Nadroga in 2018.
He continued building his legacy in the renowned Kurisaru rugby household by helping the Capital City in successfully defending it for the third consecutive year against Naitasiri on Saturday.
His namesake son has never missed a game this season. “My dream is to witness another Kurisaru make the headlines in the future of Fiji Rugby,” he said.
“Junior has never missed a game. Wherever I play, including the Escott Shield, Police, sevens tournaments in the Central Duivision or Suva, him and his mother always accompany me to where I will play.
“To see my wife and son in the grandstand or sideline among spectators during play or before we play, always boost my confidence. I know that I’m playing not only for my team, but for my family also.”
The 30-year old policeman played for the Lelean Memorial School in the Deans Trophy competition, and at the age of 17, he also played for the Nadroga colts and two years later, the Nadroga senior team.
Kurisaru has had 10 years of experience in provincial rugby competitions for Nadroga and later Suva. He was raised from a rugby background.
His father is former Nadroga and former national rep, Kavekini Nalaga and brother Napolioni Nalaga who has made the headlines in local and the international rugby arenas.
“I take my son wherever I go and play because I want him to continue the legacy of the Kurisaru name. I know he will become a better player than me in the future. I joined the Fiji Police Force because of rugby and played in local and overseas competitions and most importantly it has helped me look after my family and their welfare.
“I will continue to give back to rugby until my body gives up.” Kurisaru is married to former Fiji women’s football rep Radilaite Marama.
