Plans to celebrate Sireli Maqala’s return is on hold as his family does not know when they will reunite with him

All plans to celebrate the achievements of Sireli Maqala’s Olympic gold medal win are on hold as his family does not know when they will reunite with him.

Maqala’s parents are employees of the Ministry of Health and are currently based in Vanua Levu.

They last saw Maqala during the 7s tournament held in Savusavu in March.

Maqala’s mum, Rosa Modrau says they hope her son is given the green light to travel to Vanua Levu after being in quarantine as they do not know when he will leave for France.

The 21 year old has signed a contract for French club, Bayonne in the Top 14 competition this year.

Modrau says as much as they want to celebrate with her son, they will also need to abide by the COVID-19 protocols.

Modrau says the most trying time for Maqala was when he broke his leg in 2019 and it was indicated to them by the doctors that he will not be able to play again.

She says they always knew that he will play again as his father provided him with every training equipment needed in pursuing this career.

The proud mum says everywhere Maqala went to school from Bethel Primary School, Guru Nanak Primary School, All Saints Secondary to Ratu Kadavulevu School, he always knew that he wanted to be a rugby player.

She says while Maqala was in rehab at his home in Labasa, he started to train again and they are grateful to the Fiji Rugby Union for the assistance that they provided him during his rehab.

Modrau says at the moment they have registered him to travel to Vanua Levu once he is out of quarantine as they would love to have a small celebration before he leaves for France.