Challenge huge for Lewaravu

The challenge on the most senior member of the Flying Fijians locking department, Wame Lewaravu is huge.

The Sale Sharks based forward knows that his position comes with a lot of responsibility.

With Ifereimi Rawaqa ruled out because of injury and Kele Leawere retiring from rugby, the coaches will look to Lewaravu’s experience in guiding his young locking partners of Leone Nakarawa, Rupeni Nasiga and Sekonaia Kalou in New Zealand.

Born into a chiefly family in Bukuya in the interior of Ba, the 27-year-old has maternal links to Cuvu in Nadroga where he started his rugby career in the Kaji competition.

Lewaravu is one of the players in the Fiji team that has also tasted success in the secondary school rugby when he was part of the Suva Grammar team that won the Deans trophy for the first time in 2001.

He played for Naitasiri in the Colts Division and also in the senior team before moving to Nadroga in 2006 where he teamed up with the likes of Netani Talei and Akapusi Qera under coach Joji Rinakama.

Lewaravu knows the Fiji locks are faced with the task of winning quality ball from set pieces and it is something they are looking forward to.