UPRISING 7s star Jasa Veremalua is inspired to make a name for himself at the international rugby scene after watching the achievements of his two former Natabua rugby teammates in Metuisela Talebula and Joji Ragamate.
In an interview with the Times Sport yesterday, the soft-spoken Korotogo, Nadroga native said he was honoured to be called up by the national 7s selectors to take part in the Fiji training squad fitness test in preparing for the Wellington and LA 7s.
Veremalua said his dream to make it big in sevens rugby began with the Natabua rugby team in Lautoka in 2009. He said his passion for the game grew after seeing his two best friends Talebula and Ragamate playing for the national side and his dream was to one day join them in the national team.
The 23-year-old talented forward was later called up by master tactician Lote Rasiga to join his Red Rock team and went on to win some major 7s local tournaments including the Coral Coast 7s held at Lawaqa Park last year.
It was at the Coral Coast 7s in Lawaqa where Veremalua's talent was identified.
He won the player of the tournament award joining his former Natabua teammate Ragamate who was the recipient of the award in 2011.
He said being selected into the training side was a step closer to his dream and he was confident of wearing the national 7s jumper.
"Being selected in the national 7s training squad for the fitness test is a huge achievement for me," Veremalua said.
"I am happy that I am getting closer to my dream and despite the many big names in the training squad I am confident of fulfilling my goal.
"I have been training and playing hard for the past four years and I am ready to make it to the next level.
"Playing for my country is my ultimate goal."
Veremalua said he wanted to fulfil his rugby goal and dedicate it to his mother who single-handedly raised him after the death of his dad in 2005.
"I was in high school when my father died and I was lucky to have a loving mum who supported me all the way until today," he said.
"I don't drink grog, alcohol and I don't smoke because I want to fulfil my goal. I have been training hard for this dream and it is no looking back, I am ready to give my best for my country and my mum if given the nod to be selected for Fiji 7s team."
The former Sigatoka Methodist School student also thanked Red Rock coach Rasiga for grooming him to be the best in his position.
Rasiga said the Red Rock skipper had the talent and the skills needed in the Fiji team.
"Jasa is the next Seremaia Burotu and he is an asset to any team he plays for," said Rasiga.
Meanwhile, Times Sport has been following Veremalua's performance since 2009 and has since identified this young man's skill.
We named him as the skipper of the Times Sport Coral Coast Dream team before later being hand-picked by Waisale Serevi as the player of the tournament.