Flying Fijians winger Jiuta Wainiqolo made a significant impact during his recent match against Scotland, leading his team to a 29-14 victory at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. In front of over 10,000 enthusiastic supporters, Wainiqolo scored a try in the 60th minute, breaking through multiple defenders after receiving an offload from teammate Caleb Muntz.
Wainiqolo expressed his emotions after the match, noting that the team aimed to play with intensity, as it is uncertain when they might have the opportunity to compete at home again. “The win is for Fiji – for our families, fans who turned up, and those watching from home,” he said. The occasion was particularly poignant for him, as it marked his first rugby match at the national stadium since losing his father three years ago. He reflected on how grateful he was for his mother’s presence in the stands that day.
Wainiqolo also highlighted the collective spirit of the team and acknowledged the crowd’s support, particularly following their strong performance against the Wallabies in earlier fixtures. He expressed gratitude to the coaches for the trust placed in him to compete at Suva, saying, “We did not expect the turnout to be like this, but it was evident when we got back into the country.”
As Wainiqolo and other players based in Europe take a holiday before returning for the next season, it’s a hopeful reminder of how their experiences abroad can enrich their performance for the national team. His previous successes with Toulon, where he scored critical tries and assisted in victories, further demonstrate his capability and importance in promoting Fijian rugby on the international stage.
With the positive trajectory of Wainiqolo’s career and the unfolding talents of other Fijian players in various leagues, there is much to look forward to in the future of Fijian rugby. This continuing emergence of talent fosters a sense of optimism for fans and the wider community, as they anticipate more inspiring performances and achievements from their athletes.
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