Friday, March 29, 2024
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Proud of my Fijian heritage: Fines-Leleiwasa

Wallabies and Western Force scrum-half Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, who is born to a Fijian father says he is proud of his heritage and is looking forward to the big Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka tomorrow.

Fines-Leleiwasa who is visiting the country of his father Sinu’s birth for the third time is planning a “bucket list trip” to visit his village Kaba.

He hopes to do this in two years’ time with his brothers for his father’s 60th birthday.

But this trip is all business, as the Force look to improve their 1-4 record, having broken their duck with an impressive 40-31 wins over the Queensland Reds last weekend in Perth.

“We’re not coming over here for a holiday,” Fines-Leleiwasa told Rugby.com.au

“We’re in Fiji, we’re here to get a job done. We’ve got each other’s backs over here.”

“It’s exciting. We know the fans and atmosphere they’re going to bring,” he said.

“We’re ready to embrace it; we’re really excited about it. You’ve got to embrace it. You’ve got to love it.

“They’re going to be cheering for the Fijians so we’ve got to stay together and soak it all in ourselves.”

It’s not the first time in recent memory that Fines-Leleiwasa has come up against a Fijian side, making his World Cup debut last year against the national team.

“It was my World Cup debut against the Fijians which was a surreal moment for me and obviously my family,” he said.

“My dad is obviously Fijian but I was playing the Wallabies. It was a tough one for him, but he was very proud. I was stoked to be out there.”

“I’m very proud of my Fijian heritage,” he said. “It’s something I’m very grateful for.

“(I’m excited to see) Family and friends that I’ve met and some that I’ve not yet met. It’s a special occasion. It’s something I’m looking forward to.

“They love their rugby. Coming back here and seeing how much they love their rugby, I’m very much excited to get out there and have a go.

“They’re great rugby players. They’re athletes. You want to test yourselves against some of the best in the world, it’s great to be here.”

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua vs Western Force clash kicks off at 1.05pm.

Reginald Chandar
Reginald Chandar
Head of News & Sports | news@fijilive.com

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