The dream of one day being able to stand on his feet and support his family has finally materialised before Swire Shipping Fijian Drua blindside flanker, Raikabula Momoedonu.
This was one of the main reasons why the towering 24-year-old made the decision back when he was still 16 to play professional rugby.
He, in particular, mentioned the year back in 2014 when his mother had to undergo a back surgery having a split disk condition, but had trouble finding the funds to pay for treatment.
“This was a very difficult time for us as a family. I was 16 or 17, so this had me thinking of what I could do so that I would one day be able to take care of my family. That’s where I decided to take on rugby as a career path,” he said.
Momoedonu said by the grace of God, they were able to fund his mother’s surgery. It was successful. He attended more than five schools during his primary school years as his family continuously moved from place to place because of his father’s work commitments. “Dad was a provincial district officer and usually he had us moving around a lot to areas where he was needed.”
Momoedonu is from Viseisei Village, Vuda and has material links to Tubou, Lakeba, Lau. Having rugby in his blood, he has had relatives from both his father and mother’s side who represented Fiji in the National team.
“I got an uncle from dad’s side, Iferemi Cawaqa, and another from mum’s side, Akapusi Qera, who both played for the Flying Fijians.”
At 16, he played two years in the under-18 grade for Queen Victoria School before they moved to Lautoka where he played in the U18 Deans Trophy competition for Natabua High School in his final year.
“I lost interest in school when I was back then, I just didn’t feel like schooling anymore. Then I started focusing in rugby, training and pushing myself to become better every day I saw this as an opportunity for a better and fulfilling life.”
Nevertheless, he completed his Form Seven at Natabua and moved to Suva where he rented.
“I told my parents I would move to Suva to rent and study as I was receiving lease money for our land in Viseisei.”
Little did his parents know that he was not attending school, but attending training at the High Performing Unit (HPU) trying to make the cut for the Fiji Under-20 squad. In 2017, he was named in the Fijian Under-20 side and continued to play until 2018.
He was able to make the cut for the Fijian Warriors in 2019.
“I wasn’t the best player during high school and later on, but I was always keen and excited for training. I really think that carried me though.”
He shared there was other performing players in the squad but this did not dampen his spirit as he believed he had a lot he was fighting for.
After completing the Fiji Warriors campaign 2019, he and best friend Saimone Ulunakauvadra both signed a contract with Waipu Rugby Club at Northland, New Zealand.
There were a lot of Fijian players at the club at the time so they were able to blend in with the boys easily.
The duo made history after the side won the NFC Championship the year they joined.
“In the clubs 140-years existence, the club had never won a championship until Saimone and I joined. I was still 20 when I moved to New Zealand and joined Waipu, and this was where I had learned a lot about the game and was able to up my standard.”
After winning the championship that year, he believed there was more in store for him and his mate Ulunakauvadra. He spent three years in New Zealand playing for another club apart from Northland during that time.
“There were challenges I faced along the way but when I look back, I can see all those trying times have paid off.
“I also suffered many injuries during the time but I was able to overcome them, by keeping positive and just moving forward.”
He said one of the biggest injuries he suffered which was a grade three shoulder injury where he had completely tore a ligament.
“These were some of my lowest moments, because I would have to be away from playing for quite a while. By the time I was ready to play again, I had to fight for my spot again on the squad.”
He said he would read Bible quotes and listen to inspirational videos online to help him get through these hard times.
“I was still in Northland in the NPC competition when I heard the Fijian Drua would be naming a squad for the Super Rugby Competition.”
“I explained my situation to them but they said they would be able to work with me in recovery and getting my fitness back up there.”
He described the experience as emotional seeing his hard work, time invested and all the pain he had endured throughout the years fi nally bearing fruits.
“I agreed and signed the contract. And this whole journey with the Drua has been amazing.
“Throughout my rugby career, mom and dad have always been supportive, at times coming down to New Zealand to watch some of my games. Now I’m able to send money to my parents whenever I want, it’s just a beautiful feeling to be able to pay them back for all they have done.”
As a developing young player, he had always been a huge fan of Jerome Kiano, a New Zealand rugby union player well known for his strong busting runs as a number 8.
“He is someone I aspired to play like, with his incredible strength and crushing tackles, he just such an awesome player.”
He acknowledged all his former coaches’ and trainers back here in Fiji for helping him get where he is today.
“Much thanks to coach Kele Leawere and Koli Sewabu for all they have taught me during my early years of rugby.”
As someone who did not complete his education, he said anything was possible if you would put your heart and mind to it and encouraged younger rugby players to work hard towards their goals.
“As for myself, I caught on late in rugby but I was able to focus and concentrate on what I wanted to become. “With my family and coaches behind me I was able to do just that.”
He said it was important to surround yourself with positive people and those who would encourage you to get where you want to.
“It does not have to be rugby, but anything you love or dream of doing, that’s my advice to the youths out there.”
