Elia Canakaivata Jr was ready to hang up his rugby boots 10 months ago.
He had lost his dad and brother in a car accident around the same time he was dropped from the national 7s extended squad.
His dad, Elia Canakaivata, was his biggest fan and would watch all his games with brother in tow.
Proud mother, Salome Ranadi, said her family was blessed to have raised a son like Canakaivata. “When he lost his dad and elder brother last year, he was really down,” she shared.
“He didn’t want to play rugby anymore. “They would encourage him to do better after every game.”
She said at some point he decided he was not going to give up so easily.
This new found focus and drive led the 26-year-old back into the team and on Monday, he had not only his family, but the whole country cheering when he scored a try in Fiji’s 29-12 victorious match over New Zealand at Cape Town.
Ranadi said the whole village was excited he was bringing home the revered Melrose Cup.
The Navy officer from Navunisole, Tailevu, was emotional at the final whistle because he knew the challenges he had to overcome to be there.
Ranadi said during the final against New Zealand, she prayed throughout the game for a positive outcome.
“I just wanted them to win. I was praying all along and then when he scored that try, it was just something else for my family.”
She said Elia’s father would have been very proud of his achievement.
“Elia wanted to join a club overseas as he has been receiving offers. “I asked him to play until this World Cup. Now that they have won, when he comes back, I’ll tell him he can choose what he wants to do because he has achieved what we wanted him to.”
A huge celebration is expected when Canakaivata arrives this evening. Canakaivata attended Korovou Primary School before joining Tailevu North College.
He finished his secondary school education at St Vincent College.
He played for the Northland senior side at 18 and also represented the Westfield Babaas and the Navy and Suva 15s teams. Canakaivata and the Fiji side arrive from South Africa today.
