Isoa Tuwai is garnering attention as a promising talent for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua ahead of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition this year. His impressive performances, especially during the recent McDonald’s Coral Coast Sevens tournament, have caught the eye of rugby legends, including sevens maestro Waisale Serevi, who praised Tuwai’s physicality and formidable tackling.
Drua head coach Glen Jackson has been experimenting with Tuwai’s positioning, testing him at No.6, No.7, and No.8 during a pre-season match against RFC Los Angeles in Lautoka. Tuwai held his own against the seasoned Semi Kunatani and scored a try in Drua’s 33-26 victory.
At just 23, Tuwai’s journey into professional rugby has not been without sacrifices. He shared that he had to abandon his university studies, where he was pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on Land Management at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. He realized he could not manage both education and rugby effectively, deciding instead to chase his rugby ambitions.
Tuwai’s love for the sport stemmed from the success of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in the HSBC World Sevens Series, inspiring him to start playing rugby at the age of 11. He rose through the ranks from the Lautoka Under-19 team to the Nadi senior development squad, ultimately earning a spot on the Fiji Under-20 side and the Fijian Warriors before joining FMF Suva in the Skipper Cup competitions in 2023 and 2024.
Hailing from Natutu Village in Ba with family connections to Vanuadina in Tailevu, and having grown up in Suva, Tuwai credits his parents as his role models. Their resilience through hardships instilled a strong motivation in him to succeed and give back to them.
As he prepares for the Drua’s opening match against the ACT Brumbies on February 15, Tuwai remains committed to his training and has expressed his enthusiasm to make the Match 23 squad. He also encourages fans to come out in support of the Drua as the season kicks off.
This story of determination and passion underscores the potential of young athletes in Fiji’s rugby landscape, showcasing how dedication can pave the way to success in sports.
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