You may have noticed a lad in a Drua jersey rocking a pretty cool head-gear, bumping into big players and also dishing out big hits.
This cool looking player is Viliame Rarasea. Towering at 1.96 metres and with a weight of 116 kilograms, the 29-year- old was a stand-out for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua this season.
Speaking to The Fiji Times in Nadi last week, Rarasea laments his rugby journey which is a clear depiction of his persevering character. A timid lad who has links to Kadavu and Gau, he said his journey was never easy.
“I grew up here in Matavolivoli, Votualevu,” he said.
“I attended Nadi Airport School before moving on to Marist Brothers High School. Never did I dream of travelling overseas and my first opportunity came when I was in the sixth form.”
Rarasea was scouted by officials from Sacred Heart College in New Zealand and he jumped at the opportunity.
“I attended the school for two years before I was invited to the Counties Manukau Rugby Academy. I was lucky to be a part of a setup that had Super Rugby and All Blacks players and Tana Umaga as our coach.”
He also shared how elated he was when approached by the Drua management.
“I saw the reports that the Drua were going to be a part of the Super Rugby competition this year so I asked my agent to keep an eye on that. Two days later I received a call from Simon Raiwalui asking if I was interested in playing for the team.”
He said that offers had come from teams in the US Major League Rugby too.
“I had numerous offers to join the MLR competition. I carefully weighed my options and thought it would be best to be part of the Drua’s maiden voyage in Super Rugby.”
Rarasea said his siblings were surprised of his inclusion into the local Super Rugby side.
“I told my mum first and she is a staunch Christian. She advised me when one door closes, another opens and this was the beginning of something good for me. I held the information to myself. My younger sister and brother only knew of my inclusion when the squad was announced and they were really happy for me.”
Playing at home was one of his best highlights of being in the Drua.
“The biggest highlight of this season is playing in front of fans and family at home. Rubbing shoulders with Olympic gold medallists is something that I pride myself in. Not many people get the opportunity and I am happy to be playing in this environment.”
Playing against well-established players in the sport is something that does not faze him.
“I used to watch all these players on TV so I tried my best not to get distracted with the task at hand. After the game, I would then go up to them and ask for a picture and it is something that I had always dreamt of.”
Rarasea plays rugby in New Zealand for Counties Manukau Steelers. He had appeared 57 times for the Steelers after debuting in 2013 before COVID-19 brought the competition to a halt.
He was also a member of the Fiji under-20 team in 2013 which competed at the IRB World Junior Championship in France.
He played three games for the national under-20 side where he scored a try.
In his parting remark, Rarasea wished aspiring players all the best and said nothing is impossible.
“A big advice I can give is to never give up. Like my mum told me, when a door closes, another opens so do your best in everything and you will reap benefits later.”
