Former Flying Fijian fullback Filipe Rayasi was a proud father on Saturday seeing his son Salesi in action against Scotland.
He had the chance to watch the younger Rayasi start the match in the number 15 jersey and at fullback, and to see the Flying Fijians beat the Scots 29-14.
It was a profound experience for the Matuku, Lau gentleman in seeing his son in the white jumper.
“I’m very proud and excited to actually watch him don the Fijian jersey because he’s worn the New Zealand jersey and he’s worn the Samoan jersey, but I’m glad that he’s finally got to wear the white jersey.
It’s his son’s second appearance for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, the first against the Australian Wallabies a fortnight ago in Newcastle, Australia.
Named in the starting line-up for that Test, he set a solidifying impression of his inclusion in the team when he helped advance the Fijian attack into Wallabies territory and eventually, made Fiji’s first try at the end of the first half.
Reflecting on the word of advice he shared to his son, Rayasi’s message was simple.
“Keep communication up and be positive when you’re talking to these players and make sure he’s putting his forward pack in the right places,” he said.
“Just to stay positive. Whatever happens, you can’t control what happens, it’s already done.
“Just stay positive and move on and just try to stay on top of it.”
When the Flying Fijians extended training squad for the July Tests was announced in May, Salesi’s name drew widespread attention from fans, supporters and rugby pundits.
His father stated learning the news of his inclusion made him very happy.
“Hard to express it because you’ve always wanted to sort of follow and do better than what we did as a father so that’s what we were happy about,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rayasi was also capped alongside his fellow former teammates and officials who toured Wales and Ireland in 1995.
