Talented Samoan halfback, Ravuama Seruvakula is looking forward to rubbing shoulders against his Fijian brothers in the final of the Oceania U20 Championship at the North Harbour Stadium in New Zealand tonight.
The 19-year-old embodies both Fijian and Samoan heritage through his mum who is from Saina Faleata in Samoa and his father who hails from Navutu, Navuakece in Naitasiri.
“It means a lot to me, I’m half Fijian, half Samoan. Going up against the brothers from Fiji even though I’m half Fijian,” Seruvakula told Oceania Rugby Media.
This will be Seruvakula’s second time facing Fiji after playing against them in 7s at the Pacific Games last year.
There’s no denying who his father will be supporting.
“He’s happy I’m playing. Whether it’s Samoa or Fiji, it’s just rugby. Even though we’re playing against the Fijian boys, he’s just happy I’m playing sports,” Seruvakula said.
“If I’m playing, he’s probably going to support my team, but when he’s watching someone play against Fiji, he goes for Fiji.”
One of five children, Seruvakula was born and raised in Samoa and was inspired to play rugby by watching his father play rugby for Malaysia.
The Junior Manu Samoa travelled to Auckland with one goal in mind: a spot at the 2024 U20 World Rugby Trophy in Scotland.
After a big win over the Junior Ikale Tahi to qualify for the World Rugby U20s Trophy 2024, the team is in good spirits, ready to give it their all for one last time.
With his eyes on a dream of playing for Manu Samoa, there’s no doubt Seruvakula will have the bonus of support from both island nations as he continues to make strides in his rugby career.
