The name Pio Bosco Tikoisuva is almost synonymous with Fiji Rugby.
The 78-year-old has been one of Fiji rugby’s icon since debuting in 1968 against Tonga at the age of 21.
Tikoisuva played 19 Tests for Fiji between 1968 and 1979.
Out of all these Tests, it was the 1977 clash against the formidable British Lions that topped the highlights of his career.
“Back then we stood by the name of our team which was and still is the Flying Fijians. We were once a feared team all over the rugby world.
“When we defeated the British Lion is 1977 in Suva, their coach came to me after the match and said boss we played against 15 horses. I told him well we are the Flying Fijians, that victory stood out for me while representing the Flying Fijians,” he said.
Tikoisuva was also the first man of colour to play for the Harlequins rugby club in England from 1972 to 1976.
Usually a wing, Tikoisuva was told to play first five-eight, and it was during this time at the Harlequins where he was challenged to explore and perfect the technical skill of kicking.
“I was responsible for kicking according to the traditions of the game in England. They saw a different style of rugby that day because I was avoiding kicking.
“When I came back to Fiji, I devoted my time into practicing my kicking,” he said.
This skill came in handy during the Test against the British Lions which proved decisive in the overall result.
“During the British Lions Test, we were levelled 14-all and I nailed a drop goal.
“The supporters’ group was led by their former first-five legend Barry John, and he told me after the game ‘boss that was a beautiful drop goal’. I told him that I learned that skill from his biography which I bought when I left England.
“The best opponent was the British Lions, and they did not expect to lose in Fiji. They came back from their New Zealand tour, and they dominated but they didn’t realise that they were going to be beaten on Fijian soil,” he added.
Tikoisuva who hails from Qeleni in Taveuni with maternal links to Nacamaki in Koro launched his biography in 2021 named, ‘Emperor Bosco’.
His advice to young rugby players is to set a progressive training schedule and stick to it. This is what helped him progress in his rugby career.
