From bustling cities to remote villages, every young boy grows up with a rugby ball in hand.
They dream of one day representing Fiji on the international stage.
This dream burns brightly in the heart of Joape Ravula, the captain of the Kadavu under-20 side.
For Ravula, rugby is more than just a game, it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity.
The Nabukelevu lad faced obstacles, including dropping out of school but he remains steadfast in his pursuit of wearing the white jersey one day.
“I was studying at Nasinu Secondary School but dropped out at the age of 17,” he said.
“I have been working hard towards it (representing Fiji). It comes with its challenges but one day I’ll achieve it.
“I remain committed to pursuing my dream of representing Fiji on the international stage. ”
His introduction to rugby came at the age of nine during the Milo Kaji competition, a grassroots tournament that serves as a breeding ground for future rugby stars.
“From that moment on, I was hooked, dedicating myself wholeheartedly to the sport,” he said.
In a family where no one has ever represented Fiji on the international stage, he said he wants to carve out his own legacy.
“I want to make my family and my nation proud, and I will stop at nothing to achieve that dream,” he said.
He said he was the first out of his family to try to make a career out of rugby.
He is leading the under-20 side in their game against Cakaudrove today at Subrail Park in Labasa.
The game kicks off at 1pm.
