Kemu Valetini, a versatile back for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, is eagerly anticipating a significant moment in his career. Next week, the 30-year-old will join his teammates for a three-day training camp in Kadavu, the island where his father grew up. This trip marks the first time Valetini will visit his ancestral village.
“I’m very excited to see the place where my dad was raised and to connect with the community there,” Valetini expressed in a recent interview. He has heard wonderful things about Kadavu and is grateful to the team management for selecting this beautiful location for their camp.
Valetini comes from a family steeped in rugby tradition, with his brother Rob currently playing for the Australian Wallabies and their father Manu having played for Lautoka. Additionally, his brother Osea Koliloa has distinguished himself as one of Fiji’s top openside flankers.
As for his role in the team, Valetini has transitioned from the No.10 position to second-five eighth during the Super Rugby Pacific season. He expressed confidence in the team’s depth, stating, “We have quality players at No.10, like Izzy Ravula and Caleb Muntz, so I’m content playing wherever the coach sees fit.”
Looking ahead, Valetini acknowledged that the upcoming 2025 season may be more challenging due to competition for spots in the backline. However, he sees this as a positive, stating that it strengthens the team as a whole.
This experience in Kadavu not only represents a personal journey for Valetini but also showcases the rich connections between rugby and family heritage. It is a wonderful opportunity for him to create lasting memories while fostering stronger bonds with his teammates, ultimately contributing to the Drua’s unity and performance on the field.
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