Noah Rauluni, a 19-year-old rugby talent from Fiji, is carving out his own identity in the sport as a flanker, despite coming from a storied lineage of halfbacks. His father, Jacob, a former Flying Fijian player with 55 Test caps, and younger brother Mosese, also a former captain, have paved the way for his rugby aspirations. The strong family connection to rugby is a significant influence on Noah, who expressed his admiration for fellow Flying Fijian, flanker Levani Botia.
Having graduated in 2023 from St Joseph Nudgee’s College in Brisbane, Australia, Rauluni played for the East Brisbane Tigers rugby club prior to joining the Sportsworld Fiji Under-20 team. He is focused on proving himself and aims to earn a spot in the national squad, saying, “My final goal is to be a Flying Fijian in the future but right now I’m just trying to play good footy for Under-20s.”
Rauluni acknowledges the competitive nature of rugby in Fiji and the importance of hard work. His parents have continually encouraged him to give his best, stating, “Fiji is a rugby country and there are lots of boys that want the spot, you have to work hard.” He considers his experience at the Under-20 camp enhanced by the presence of his cousin, Sam Chapman, as well as a visit from legendary player Waisale Serevi.
In addition, Rauluni is making efforts to improve his Fijian language skills, stating that his teammates have been supportive in helping him learn. He appreciates the incredible talent among his peers, acknowledging the unique skills that Fijians bring to the game.
Rauluni balances his rugby ambitions with academic pursuits, currently studying civil engineering at the Queensland University of Technology. His dedication to both sports and education highlights a well-rounded approach to his future.
In summary, Noah Rauluni stands as a promising figure in Fijian rugby, driven by familial legacy and personal ambition, as he aspires to make his mark in the sport while embracing both cultural and educational opportunities.
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