“He (Tuisova) started his rugby career here at the Ba Market ground. He is not just representing Fiji; he is representing the vanua.”
Josua Tuisova of Fiji scores his team’s first try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Australia and Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on September 17, 2023 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Flying Fijian second five eight Josua Tuisova’s sterling performance at the Rugby World Cup now has a ripple effect of positivity to the Ba Rugby Union.
BRU secretary Gabby Kautoga said Tuisova’s Man of the Match performance against Australia has been huge motivation to the players, club, community and the football town.
“We have just found out that the Indo-Fijians too love the game of rugby and they are playing also, they have shifted from soccer to rugby here in Ba,” Kautoga said.
“This is the soccer town; Tuisova’s performance has been a great inspiration to everyone.
“It really boosts the spirit and morale of new players, they are look up to Tuisova and hopefully we’ll produce some more Tuisova from Ba.
Kautoga said Tuisova and the Flying Fijians now playing in France are the talk of the town.
“He (Tuisova) started his rugby career here at the Ba Market ground. He is not just representing Fiji; he is representing the vanua.”
BRU due to the surge in interest among the Indo-Fijian communities is now holding GIR (Get into Rugby) programmes at the Ba Sangam schools.
“With Tuisova playing at that level, has set a platform now as we are going to be part of the Skipper Cup next season.
“It has set a benchmark for our players.”
Tuisova played for the Ba River club as wing and sometimes played in the second five eight or center position.
He was more into sevens where he moved to Nadi and joined the Westfield Rugby Club with his brothers Pio Tuwai and Filipo Nakosi.
Meanwhile with the Flying Fijians yet to register a place in the RWC quarterfinals, Tuisova early this week said their next match against Georgia will not be an easy one.
Tuisova is expected to make the match-day 23 against Georgia when the team is named today.
Fiji faces Georgia at 3.45am on Sunday.
Story by: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj
