At just 17 years old, Benjamin Soko is learning first-hand that men’s rugby offers no easy shortcuts.
Despite being the youngest player in the Covenant Blues side, the rookie hooker has become a vital member of the squad, consistently making both the starting XV and the match-day 23 squad since the commencement of the Suva Rugby Union Escott Shield competition this season.
In round three of the competition, Soko started in the front row and played a crucial role in a gritty 20-10 victory over the experienced Nabua Maroons at Buckhurst Ground, Suva.
The win reflected not only the team’s resilience but also its vision for the future.
For Soko, the journey to this moment has been a test of ambition and sacrifice.
Hailing from Tubou in Lakeba, Lau, the teenager’s rise from the islands to Suva’s tough club rugby scene embodies determination.
Studying at a private school in Suva, Soko did not come through the Deans competition like most emerging local talents.
However, he honed his craft as part of the junior Covenant team from 2014 to 2016 in the junior Escott Shield competition, where he was spotted by Drua scouts.
“Joining the academy has been tough,” he said, recalling his transition into elite rugby after joining the Fijian Drua system earlier this year.
“We had to go through broncos and hurdles. It’s not easy.”
Soko has quickly come to understand the physical demands of senior rugby.
Week after week, he faces opponents twice his age — a challenge he embraces.
“Playing in this competition is very tough,” he said.
“You’re playing against someone twice your age. But it’s a good experience for me. It helps me gain more skills and strength.”
The Blues’ decision to include Soko in their match-day squad was a deliberate one.
With several senior players moving on after standout seasons, the club has been rebuilding key positions — especially hooker, tighthead prop, and halfback.
Coaches view Soko as a long-term solution in the front row.
“Playing hooker is very hard. All you care about is the ball.”
His dedication to the core duties of the position — set-piece precision, physicality, and hard work — has already caught the selectors’ eyes, particularly given his training with the high-performance Drua academy.
Rugby runs deep in Soko’s veins.
He is the nephew of Fijian Drua captain Temo Mayanavanua and part of the wider Kolinisau family, which includes Olympic gold medallist and current national sevens coach Osea Kolinisau.
Such a pedigree can weigh heavily on a young player, but Soko is learning to balance expectation with an intent to create his own legacy.
“When people say I’m part of the Mayanavanua family, it’s not easy for me to express,” he said quietly.
“I just say I am one of them — but I am also a Kolinisau.”
Like many aspiring rugby players, Soko grew up inspired by the greatest rugby star.
Recalling how his father would play former All Blacks and rugby legend Jonah Lomu’s highlight videos, igniting in him a fierce appreciation for the physical aspects of the game.
Now, as an emerging hooker, he has set Flying Fijians captain Tevita Ikanivere as his inspiration and benchmark.
Soko believes consistent hard work is the key to reaching the top.
“Just train hard and improve my skills,” he said when asked about his ambitions.
For Covenant Blues, Soko isn’t just a promising youngster; he’s a vital part of a rebuilding phase focused on youth development and sustained success.
For Soko, Saturday’s victory is just the beginning.
Still growing into his frame and role, the teenager shows a maturity beyond his years — quietly learning, embracing challenges, and laying the groundwork for a bright future in Fijian rugby.
