Bringing up three boys who would turn into world class rugby players one day was not part of Sikeli Ratulevu’s dream.
Ratulevu is the father of Pio Tuwai, Josua Tuisova and Filipo Nakosi.
He is a proud man who is now reaping the rewards of his sacrifice after his sons built them a double story house in Votua village in Ba, bought a four bedroom house in Namosau and opened up a cattle farm to assist their family.
Ratulevu says that his youngest son, Josua Tuisova has asked him to stop going back to cut sugarcane and fishing as he will be sending them money from France.
Ratulevu remembers the hard times they had together when Tuisova used to assist him going to the bush and fishing while he lived in Votua.
The 51-year-old says that yesterday was an emotional day as he farewelled Tuisova and was thankful that his eldest son, Pio Tuwai gave his blessings to Tuisova and the team to go out and play for their families and the nation.
Ratulevu says Tuisova’s attitude has taken him to where he is today.
The star wing only reached class 7 at Xavier College before joining the Vocational Program at Ratu Navula College.
Ratulevu says they did not have much while raising his sons - but he taught them the value of hard work.
Tuisova turned down a lucrative deal from the French Rugby Union to play for Fiji in the Rio Olympics.
Fiji will take on Brazil in their first Rio Olympics pool game at 4.30am on August 10th, they will then face Argentina at 9.30am before taking on USA at 4.30am on August 11th.
The quarter finals will start at 8am Thursday August 11th, the semis will start at 5.30am Friday August 12th and the final will kick off at 10am Friday August 12th.
Barring any upsets, Fiji will meet France, Kenya or Argentina in the Medal Quarter Final, Australia or Great Britain in the Medal Semi Final and NZ or South Africa in the Gold Medal Final.
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