Just give me some time dad and I will prove to you that rugby is my field.
Those were the words of Fiji Water Flying Fijians star halfback Frank Lomani to his father when he left his home in Savusavu to come to Viti Levu and embark on his journey to become a successful rugby player.
In an interview with fijivillage News, Lomani's father, Beato Raturaciri says Lomani is a person who works hard towards his dream and sees that he achieves it.
Raturaciri says he did not want Lomani to play rugby because he himself was a rugby player and knows the risks of the game especially the huge injuries that usually occur in the game.
He says he wanted Lomani to play soccer instead but Lomani never gave up on his dream to play professional rugby.
He adds that Lomani was even called to go for a job interview at a local bank but he gave it up just to come to Viti Levu and pursue his rugby dream.
Raturaciri says only God knew how angry he was with Lomani.
He says he even cried while telling Lomani off about his decision to give up an employment opportunity for rugby.
He says when leaving their home, Lomani's words to him was, "Dad! Being a banker is not my field but rugby is. Just give me some time."
Raturaciri says when Lomani made his debut for the Flying Fijians in 2018, it made him realise that it was Lomani's passion and he supported Lomani's journey from then on.
He says most of the time they would hear and see people criticising Lomani in public and on social media but he says Lomani always tells them not to respond to those criticisms as they won't do any good to them.
Raturaciri adds they were excited at home when Lomani was picked for his second Rugby World Cup tournament.
Raturaciri has also sent the family's best wishes to Lomani and the Flying Fijians team and has urged them to play hearts out as they are not only representing his family but their Vanua and most importantly, the people of Fiji.
Lomani played for his school team Saint Bedes College before he played for his village team at the Marist 7s tournament back in 2013 where he was spotted by Fiji Rugby selectors.
He moved to Suva and played for the Marist Rugby Club while being in the FRU pathway before being selected into the Fiji under 20s squad for the Junior World Cup in 2015.
He joined the Fiji Warriors in 2017 and has been the first choice halfback for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific in the first two seasons.
The Flying Fijians will play France at 7.05am this Sunday.
Fiji's first pool game at the RWC is against Wales on Monday 11th of next month at 7am.
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