FOR 20-year-old Kubualagi Loa, the dream of playing professional rugby is growing alongside more than 1000 yaqona plants on his farm in Namoli Village, in the district of Noikoro, Navosa.
Loa, the third eldest of six siblings, lives with his parents and balances farming with his passion for rugby.
When he is not on the field, he is working on the farm, where he is building a future that he hopes will help take him closer to his sporting ambitions.
His rugby journey took shape while he attended Nasinu Secondary School from 2021 to 2025.
There, he played in the Deans Competition in 2025.
He now takes part in district competitions whenever he can.
But for Loa rugby is more than a game, it is a dream he hopes to turn into a career.
It is also his way of helping support his parents and contribute to the needs of his family.
He hopes the income from farming will give him greater financial stability while allowing him to continue pursuing opportunities in rugby.
He was supposed to be part of the Navosa team, but financial constraints prevented him from making the opportunity a reality.
Instead of giving up, Loa has turned to the land.
“I have planted over 1000 yaqona plants back in the farm,” he said.
The path has not been easy, but his ambition remains the same.
He hopes to continue playing rugby and one day represent Navosa or even Fiji.
For now, Loa is keeping his options open.
He is hopeful that other employment or rugby opportunities will come his way, while continuing to work the land and develop his yaqona farm.
