TWO years ago when Dratabu villager Samisoni Viriviri was named the first Fiji 7s player to win the then IRB 7s Player of the Year, a fellow villager was sweating it out on the road trying to create a legacy of his own.
After two years of sheer hard work and sacrifices, that same boy is raising eyebrows in the HSBC World Sevens Series.
Used by Vodafone Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan as an impact player, Kitione Taliga is slowly stamping his mark on the 7s series and is on the right path to emulate Viriviri’s footsteps.
Born and bred in the village, Taliga has worked extremely hard to finally fulfil his childhood dream.
He was recruited by Pio Tuwai and France-based Josua Tuisova from Ratu Navula Vocational College whilst pursuing a Food and Beverage program.
In an interview with Times Sport in Singapore yesterday, Taliga recalled the struggle and the long winding road of sweat and tears before fulfilling his rugby dream.
“Growing up in the village I never missed watching the Fiji 7s team in action at Hong Kong 7s,” he said.
“The Hong Kong 7s is popular back in Fiji where people from all walks of life are glued to their TV watching the Fiji boys play.
“This really inspired me to pursue my rugby career and to one day play 7s for the country.”
He said Viriviri was surprised to also find his fellow village joining the Fiji 7s team.
Taliga said he always trained hard back in Fiji until he joined Ratu Navula and later featured for Nadroga under-20.
He also played school rugby for Ratu Navula in the Deans competition.
“In fact I started my 7s career whilst a student at Ratu Navula,” he said.
“That time I was a vocational student doing my F&B and it was during Pio and Tuisova formed the Ratu Navula Eagles 7s team.
“This is where it all started.
“I think Viriviri was shocked to also about my achievements and I am proud to become the next Dratabu native to join the Fiji team.
“It’s a dream come true and I will do my best to play my hearts out for my country.”
Taliga scored two tries in Fiji’s come from behind 21-15 win against Australia at Las Vegas.
It was this game that elevated Taliga to the world and followed it up with an impressive performance in Vancouver.
The 23-year-old also played a crucial role in Fiji’s win at Hong Kong 7s last week and is optimistic of another grand performance in Singapore.
He said he would do his best to help his teammates do the country proud.
Taliga said while the Rio Olympics would be his ultimate goal, his first mission was to maintain his top form and play his heart out for the people back home.
