Tough call

DOGE SHUNS LUCRATIVE OFFERS FOR DRUA, RWC

NADROGA native Mesake Doge has sacrificed lucrative overseas contracts to pursue his dream of representing the Flying Fijians in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France by joining the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The 29-year-old made his debut for the Flying Fijians in 2016 but has earned only four Test caps. Doge said it was a tough decision to return home.

“It is a tough decision to come back home to represent the Fijian Drua in terms of finance,” he said.

“I have declined lucrative contracts up in the European continent because this is the best place to be to prepare for the RWC.

“I haven’t played at the RWC. I have missed the criteria for selection previously.

“I joined the Flying Fijians squad in 2016. After that I went missing for four years. I missed the 2019 RWC so it was a bit hard on me.

“Next year is very important for me because time will not come around and it will not wait for anyone. It is going to be a new experience for me to play in the RWC if I get selected.”

Doge represented Romanian club Rugby Timi oara during the 2018–19 European Rugby Challenge Cup before joining Brive in 2019, making 24 appearances over two seasons.

He then signed up for Welsh club Dragons last year. Doge said he would share his experiences with the younger players in the Fijian Drua squad.

“I’m 29 years old so I have been playing rugby for a while,” he said.

“I think bringing in that experience with the formality of living as a professional rugby player will be beneficial for the other boys.

“To be around the family is something that was not possible in Europe. To come back home and just to touch roots, it gives a good breath of fresh air and will help me a lot with the Fijian Drua games.”

The Fijian Drua will face Moana Pasifika at the Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand on February 25.