Once a kid who watched his rugby heroes on television, Joji Nasova will join them on the field with a mission to win Fiji’s third gold at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Nasova vividly recalls sitting in front of the TV to cheer on the Fiji 7s men’s team as they fought for glory at the Olympic Games in Rio and Japan. During those moments, he could only imagine playing alongside stars like Jerry Tuwai, determined that one day he would wear the famous white jumper.
The Toge villager from Ba could hardly contain his excitement when head coach Osea Kolinisau announced his name as one of the final 15 players selected to carry Fiji’s golden legacy in 7s rugby at the Olympics.
“Firstly, I’d like to give God the glory for His protection and plans. God has never forsaken me and has heard my prayers, allowing me to be one of the chosen 15 to represent Fiji at the Paris Olympic Games,” he said, his eyes glimmering while speaking to the Fiji Times.
The 23-year-old made his World SVNS Series debut at this year’s Hong Kong 7s, quickly capturing the attention of rugby pundits, with commentators labeling him as Fiji’s next “big thing.” Even Kolinisau praised the young man’s work ethic, comparing his style of play to the hard-running and physical former Fiji 7s star, Savenaca Rawaca.
“I thank the coaches for believing in me and for selecting me. When my name was announced, I was really emotional; I cried tears of joy just knowing that they see and trust my potential to carry this huge responsibility with my brothers,” Nasova said.
The Dominion Brothers rover, who was contracted to a club in Beijing last year, is in awe of how quickly his dreams are turning into reality.
“In camp, when some of the players were dropped from the squad, I tried my best to keep going and maintain the level required in fitness as well as the knowledge of the game. This will be my first Olympics. I grew up watching players such as Tuwai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Teri Tamani, and Waisea Nacuqu don the white jumper and do wonders for Fiji. I’m really excited and grateful to be able to play alongside them in Paris,” he said.
During a previous interview, the 2023 Pacific Games gold medallist revealed that his journey is deeply rooted and driven by the struggles of his family.
“My parents are my motivation, seeing their struggles from when I was young to support me and my siblings. My mum passed away when I was very young, but I thank God that He kept me safe. He gave me a father who did not give up on me and my siblings. He is a farmer, and there were some things that he was able to provide, and other things we just prayed to God to provide. I’m truly grateful to my father for supporting us with the little that we have and for being my backbone in my rugby journey.
“In my first game (Hong Kong), as we were standing in the tunnel ready to run out to the field, I thought of my late mother and my dad. I know their prayers and faith in God got me that far. Despite our struggles, they were always doing their best to ensure that we live our dreams,” Nasova said.
Nasova attended Toge Primary School, Nukuloa College, and Ba Provincial Freebird Institute. He played rugby league with Ba Pro before transitioning to rugby union, where he represented Naitasiri U20. He burst onto the 7s scene after impressing for Dominion Brothers and was part of the Fiji 7s team that won gold at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.