At just 19 years old, Tevita Vuniwaqa Ledua is making waves as the youngest player in the Malolo Rugby squad, demonstrating remarkable composure on the field. This Saturday, Ledua will step onto one of the most significant stages in local rugby, participating in the highly anticipated Skipper Cup final where Malolo will face off against Naitasiri in Suva. For the talented playmaker from Bouma, Taveuni, this moment is a dream realized.
“I started playing rugby in primary school, but my journey truly began when I attended Ratu Kadavulevu School from Year 9 to Year 13,” Ledua shared. He was a member of the RKS Deans team last year, experiencing a tough quarter-final loss to Cuvu College. Now donning the Malolo colors as a first five-eighth, he has quickly recognized that the provincial rugby arena offers a whole new level of competition. “Skipper is a different ball game,” he noted, acknowledging the increased pace, physicality, and pressure that this stage entails, all of which contribute to his growth as a player.
Ledua’s journey has also included valuable experience in the Farebrother Challenge, enhancing his skills while competing against elite opponents. Despite being one of the younger players in the squad, his poise and smart decision-making have established him as a vital asset in Malolo’s backline. He credits his success to the encouragement provided by senior players and coaches, who have been instrumental in guiding him through his inaugural Skipper Cup season. “The senior boys have been very supportive. They encourage me to stay focused and trust my game,” Ledua reflected.
As the Malolo team prepares for its historic final against a team he idolized during his youth, Ledua expresses excitement about the opportunity. “Naitasiri is a well-known team. We used to hear stories about Naitasiri rugby, and now I’ll be playing against them in a final—it’s something special,” he said. In addition to his role with Malolo, Ledua also plays for the Nasigatoka Rugby Club, aiming to inspire other young athletes from the islands to pursue their dreams.
“Malolo is a young team, but we believe in ourselves. For me, this is just the beginning,” Ledua proclaimed, embodying the spirit of determination and hope prevalent among Fiji’s burgeoning rugby talents. His story, much like those of other young stars emerging from recent narratives in Fiji’s rugby scene, illustrates the immense potential and dedication of youth players. As they navigate their journeys, these young athletes not only chase personal success but also work to uplift those who will follow them.
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