Kemu Valetini, the player who secured the winning penalty for Drua in his debut against the Crusaders during Round 3 of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, has quickly become a beloved figure among Fijian rugby fans. The 29-year-old from Galoa, Kadavu has received an outpouring of praise on social media, with many describing him as “a solid No.10,” “a natural first five-eighth,” and “a rising star.”
Valetini began his rugby journey with the Melbourne Rising in 2018 before moving to Spain to play for Valladolid Rugby Asociación from 2019 to 2020. He later caught the attention of Drua coaches while playing in Manly, leading to a short-term contract with the team.
Having trained with the full Rebels squad in Australia, Valetini has gained valuable rugby knowledge and experience. He is dedicated to improving both his professional skills and personal development. However, he admits he struggles with the Fijian dialect despite living in Fiji for over a year and a half.
“Growing up in Australia, English was always the primary language, and while my dad spoke Fijian to us, we didn’t manage to learn it,” he said, laughing. Valetini expressed his desire to visit Kadavu, his birthplace, but is still working on finding the time to do so.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Valetini shared some of his personal interests, including a fondness for chicken curry and comfortable clothing. He also reflected on his childhood, mentioning his adventurous spirit and extroverted nature.
When asked about the lightheartedness in the team, he playfully identified Peni Matawalu as the cheekiest member. Valetini understands the importance of kicking in rugby, noting that it can be a game-changer. “Kicking is a significant part of what I can contribute to the team, and I take it very seriously,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of taking the competition one week at a time while maintaining his fitness and health. Valetini expressed gratitude for his current position and reflected on the lessons learned while growing up. He encouraged young readers to heed their parents’ advice, recognizing their support as pivotal to his journey.