Rupeni Caucaunibuca Junior, a talented sprinter from Naitasiri Secondary School, is drawing attention from overseas rugby clubs. The 17-year-old is the son of the legendary former Flying Fijians player Rupeni Caucaunibuca, who remains a celebrated figure in the rugby world. Last week, Caucaunibuca Junior made headlines by clinching victory in the 100 meters at the Fiji Secondary School’s athletics Triple N Zone competition held at HFC Bank Stadium, crossing the finish line with an impressive time.
Caucaunibuca Junior hails from Burerua Village in Tailevu, though he was raised in Navakasiga, Bua. His recent achievement has sparked interest from two overseas clubs, including the New Zealand-based team Blues, who have expressed a desire to bring him into their academy while he continues his education.
In a recent interview, Caucaunibuca Junior shared his aspirations of surpassing his father’s legacy. “I will try my best to reach where my dad left off or even better. I want to bring my dad’s name up on the rugby field again,” he stated. His father, who had a successful career with the Blues and played with top French teams like Agen and Toulouse, has been actively involved in discussions regarding his son’s future.
Despite his focus on rugby, Caucaunibuca Junior has also shown talent in athletics, having initially joined Naitasiri Secondary School to pursue rugby. He expressed surprise at his athletic success, especially since he mainly trained for rugby league. His eye is now set on competing in the upcoming Coca-Cola Games, where he hopes to secure a medal.
This promising narrative mirrors the stories of other young athletes in Fiji, showcasing the potential for rising stars like Caucaunibuca Junior to thrive in sports. His journey not only builds on his father’s illustrious legacy but also inspires the next generation of rugby and athletics talent in Fiji. The community is abuzz with excitement and hopes are high for Caucaunibuca Junior’s future endeavors, both on the field and track.
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