Jone Naqica, the 2025 USA Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, shared his emotional response to the honor during a recent interview. He expressed disbelief at the news, stating, “What an honor it is to be an inductee; when we received the call, I was speechless.” Currently residing in his village in Nawaisomo, Naitasiri, Naqica has familial connections to the United States, which adds to the significance of this recognition.
Naqica’s rugby journey began in 1985 at the age of five and spanned nearly three decades, ending in 2014 when he retired at 34. His remarkable career is a testament to his dedication and extraordinary talent in a physically demanding sport. As the first Fijian to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Naqica emphasized the importance of this recognition, thanking his family, friends, and supporters along the way. “It means a lot to be inducted as I am the first Fijian,” he noted.
Throughout his career, Naqica was characterized by his humility, intelligence, and exceptional playmaking abilities. He was renowned for his ‘silky-smooth feet’ and natural passing skills, contributing significantly to his teams both at club level and internationally. He began his international career with the USA Eagles in 2001, making an immediate impact and ultimately earning a total of 8 Test caps in 15s rugby, in addition to an impressive 23 caps for the USA Eagles 7s team.
Naqica’s legacy includes the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in 7s rugby for the USA, highlighting his contribution to American rugby history. His impact on the game extended beyond his playing days, as he has been recognized as an ambassador and tactician for the sport.
With such a unique background and impactful career, Naqica’s story serves as an inspiration for many young athletes, not just in Fiji but globally. His achievements in rugby resonate deeply within the community, reflecting the pride of representing one’s heritage. This induction marks a pivotal celebration of his contributions and symbolizes hope for emerging players as they look to follow in his footsteps.
As Naqica himself stated, the journey is about the people who believed in him, and this moment of recognition is a testament to the dreams and aspirations fostered within the sport of rugby. The future remains bright as more talented players seek to make their mark in the rugby world.
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