13-year-old embarks on rugby journey to NZ to help mum and siblings

13-year-old Ratu Simione Rarasea of Marist Brothers Primary School is eager to help his mother and provide a better life for his family after the death of his father early this year, as he embarks on his rugby journey to New Zealand.

Ratu Simione, who has secured a scholarship to Te Puke Intermediate School in New Zealand says being the eldest of 4 siblings, he feels this is God's plan for him to excel in rugby and help his mother raise his siblings.

The young Marist boy who hails from Narikoso, Kadavu says his late dad was his pillar of strength and mentor, and this has made him work harder to get the rugby scholarship.

Marist Brothers Primary School head teacher Michael Kumar says Ratu Simione will leave our shores by the end of this month once his visa is confirmed.

Kumar says Ratu Simione is a very humble and hard-working student and he believes he will go a long way if he concentrates on his training and studies.

Ratu Simione has represented Suva from the Under 9 to 13 grade and is also a school sprinter, taking part in athletics in the 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres relay teams.

The Rarasea name is no stranger to rugby in Fiji as his uncle Ilisoni Rarasea and cousin Viliame Rarasea represented Fiji in the 15s code.

Ratu Simione’s uncle is former Stormers winger Isireli Naqelevuki who also hails from Narikoso.