Skipper Cup: Rugby giants collide in Nausori
Expect a jam-packed Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori on Saturday when Naitasiri take on Nadroga in the feature match of the Skipper Cup Premiership Round Four. Unbeaten Naitasiri will face a stern test against the defending champions. The match kicks off at 3pm.
Rewa rugby fullback Apenisa Deve believes his dream of becoming a Flying Fijian is slowly materialising.
Deve is one of rising stars making a mark for the Rewa team in the 2018 Skipper Cup Premiership competition.
The passion for playing rugby is what keeps the 22-year-old of Lokia, Rewa native going.
“Rugby is the only game we play in school and in the village,” he said.
“Now I’ve joined Rewa, it is a perfect time to show what I have playing in the provincial competition. “I am thankful for the divine help which has enabled me to grow as a rugby player. I want to thank the Lord for assisting me in my rugby career since I was a little boy. This is a stepping stone in my life.
“I need to get my fitness to standard every week. My aim is to be a Flying Fijian and get an overseas contract.
He was following into the footsteps of his father Tevita, a former national rep.
“I always wanted to be like him while growing up. I will continue to try a little bit harder.
“I started my career playing and representing Ba in football before I switched to rugby in 2014. I started with the Assemblies of God rugby team.”
Coming from a family of six, Deve has been tagged as a future national material and has the skills, depth and talent of former Fijian rugby skipper and current Rewa coach Ro Alivereti Doviverata.
“I do not see myself in the same level as Doviverata but I want to represent Fiji like him.
“I pray for it daily and I am so indebted to my parents for supporting me and my siblings. “This is the beginning of a new journey for me and I thank all who made it possible for me. With God’s guidance, I plan to enjoy the rugby ride for as long as I can.” Rewa play Namosi at Thomson Park, Navua on Saturday.