United States-based rugby player Darian Serrona got a taste of Fijian rugby in his first match against Devo Babaas in the Fiji Bitter Labasa Service 7s tournament at Subrail Park yesterday. The former US military rugby player is in Fiji for the first time and specifically visited Fiji and the North for more rugby challenge.
He is part of the Restoration rugby team that consists of Nadi, Labasa and Taveuni players. “Rugby here is tough and they hit so hard compared with what I have gone through in the States where I also played rugby,” he said.
“I got to see first-hand what Fijian rugby is about and these players are full of natural skills and talents and I am amazed. “I played my first game against the Devo Babaas team and the match was tough, but it taught me to shape up and toughen up as a rugby player, especially in playing against Fijian players.” Serrona’s former rugby coach and a former New Zealand player set him up for this trip.
“He asked me if I wanted to play rugby in Fiji and I got in touch with the team and made may way to Nadi where I camped with the boys and trained for three weeks before coming to Labasa.
“I believe if we are to learn good rugby, then Fiji is the place to come to.” His side lost 5-12.
