Nakama, Macuata lad Iosefo Namoce is well on course of his ambition to don the white jumper.
The 21-year-old featured for Suva rugby this year and was given the Suva men’s Rookie of the Year award at the end of the season.
He was one of the revelations of the season after impressing in the Escott Shield while playing for Lakeba Rugby.
Never for once did Namoce think he would be playing in the Skipper Cup, and that too for one of the most prominent provincial teams in the country.
However, what makes this feat so special for the former Queen Victoria School student was that he played alongside his idol.
“I’ve been playing rugby since my primary school days in Navakawau Catholic School, then later when I attended Queen Victoria School. All those years I’ve always looked up to John Stewart and to play alongside him in the Skipper Cup was amazing,” Namoce said.
“I play in the midfield so running alongside and against some of the experienced players in the country was a great learning experience for me. We work hard all year long, managing our time with other commitments and for me being recognised as the Rookie of the Year was truly unexpected, it’s the icing on the cake really,” Namoce shared.
Sharing maternal links to Vuna on Taveuni, Namoce holds close to his dream of becoming Fiji’s next rugby star.
“I play for the love of rugby so whatever opportunity comes up I’ll take it. There are pathways now so if I get to make the Fiji Warriors team or even the Drua I will grab the chance with both hands.
“This season has been a fruitful one and I acknowledge my teammates and family for their support and belief in me. There are a lot of good players out there and the competition for a spot in a team like Suva is really up so I have to build on this achievement next season and achieve even greater things.”
Namoce anticipated another good rugby year ahead with Suva rugby in 2024.
The new rugby season will kick-off in February.
