Born and raised in Navatuki Village in Soloira, Naitasiri, Vereniki Naureure is a lucky young man who has been approached by Sydney clubs such as the Eastern Suburbs and NSW Warratahs Academy this year.
From playing rugby on an uneven rugby turf in the village to now being approached to join some of the fi nest rugby clubs in Australia, Naureure says it was all about embracing who he was and overcoming life’s challenges that got him through.
“Not too many people can walk a mile in your shoes,” the young lad said.
“Only you know your struggles, the challenges and the obstacles so you have to be proud of how far you have come.”
As a young boy, Naureure promised his father he would one day play rugby for Fiji or for Australia and today his dream is slowly becoming a reality.
“I’m thankful to my parents for allowing me to take up this opportunity and to follow my dreams.”
With a simple phone call, Naureure’s life of growing up in the village changed completely.
“I spent four days at Naluwai Secondary School before I got a called from Australia to go and attend school there.”
Naureure attended Aranmore Catholic College for two years before he moved to Coffs Habour at Bishops Drutt College.
From there he was selected in the Country Schools selection to play for the NSW Blue Gen Warratahs team with academy players and impressed the Warratahs.
Last year Naureure made the NSW U18 Gen Blue Team, that being an added achievement to his budding rugby success since leaving Fiji.
