“That is just the way he is.” These were the words of Semi Radradra’s father, Samisoni Waqavatu, when asked about the humbleness of his son, despite making a name for himself on the world rugby field.
The centre remains to be one of the soft-spoken players of all time.
The Fiji Times team visited Semi’s parents in Somosomo, Taveuni yesterday as the FIJI Water Flying Fijians squad continue its preparations on the island.
Waqavatu said Semi was a gift to him from God – a son which every parent would dream of having.
“He is just different. I have five sons and three daughters but Semi is just unique. Not just now, he was a special child growing up,” the proud father said.
According to his father, Semi started playing rugby for the Somosomo Sharks in 2010.
He was scouted by Inoke Male the same year during the Nasekula 7s in Labasa.
“Inoke Male had come to the tournament as a scout looking for an inside centre and a wing for the national under-20 side. That is when he saw Semi and winger Alipate Raitini. Both got picked to be part of the national under-20 side.”
The lanky forward was then drafted into the national 7s squad.
He made his debut for Fiji 7s at the Gold Coast tournament in Australia in 2011. He competed at the Dubai and Cape Town tournaments of the series in the same year before being drafted into the Parramatta Eels squad in the NRL in Australia. And the rest is history.
“I knew he will represent the Flying Fijians the day he got selected for the Under-20 side,” Waqavatu said. He said having the team training on the island for a week was an inspiration to the youths.
“Semi has been an inspiration to many of the youths on Taveuni. The Flying Fijians coming here will only give them encouragement to work towards their dream of wearing the white jumper one day.”
Waqavatu said he was fortunate to watch his son play at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and he has requested Semi to make the trip to France this year as well.
“Everyone in the family has been to France to watch Semi play there except me. I have asked him if I can go and watch him during the World Cup, so I’ll just see if I can make it.”
The 63-year-old said this is a good Flying Fijians squad and has a good chance of making the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup this year.