“He had always asked his mother to be in France when he was named in the national squad but she (Ulamila) always refused because she was scared of flying.
Flying Fijians winger Jiuta Wainiqolo with his mother Ulamila Wainiqolo in France on September 27, 2023. Photo: Fiona Wainiqolo
Flying Fijians speedster Jiuta Wainiqolo was given a pleasant surprise yesterday when his mother Ulamila Wainiqolo and older sister Tokasa Magnus showed up in France to support him at the Rugby World Cup.
Speaking from Navua yesterday their neighbour Tokasa Ragigia said it was an emotional moment for the three because Jiuta had always wanted his mother to watch him play at the World Cup.
“There were a lot of tears joy, and Jiuta was elated,” Ragigia from Kadavu said.
“He had always asked his mother to be in France when he was named in the national squad but she (Ulamila) always refused because she was scared of flying.
“She boasts that she is from America (Nadroga) yet she has never travelled on a plane. It was Fiona (Jiuta’s wife) who encouraged and arranged for her to go.
“My namesake made time to travel with her mother for Jiuta’s sake.
“Just a while ago (last night) we were talking and Jiuta was just so happy to have them there to support him and the Flying Fijians.”
Fiji takes on Georgia in their third Pool C match on Sunday morning.
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