FROM the cane fields to Hong Kong is a dream come true for young Tokatoka Westfield Barbarian Filipe Nakosi.
The 21-year-old will play for the BGC APB All Stars guided by the former All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga and Rico Gear at the Hong Kong 10s tournament this week.
Other big names Nakosi will rub shoulders with include former All Blacks Marty Holah, Anthony Tuitavaki, Orene Orene Ai'i, Tonga flanker Hale T-Pole, former Japan captain Takuro Miuchi, USA captain Todd Clever, former Samoa skipper Seilala Mapusua and Oxford captain John Carter.
Nakosi is still coming to terms with this opportunity to play alongside the rugby superstars.
"My career in rugby is just starting and to be given an opportunity to play against these experienced world class players is an honour for me," he said.
"I believe I am blessed because out of the thousands rugby talents in Fiji, I was selected to go and play with Rico Gear, Orene Ai'I, Mapusua and Umaga."
Gear scored 11 tries in 19 tests for New Zealand while Umaga scored 36 tries in 74 tests for New Zealand, playing 21 as captain.
Nakosi said he would grasp every tip from the former international players.
"This is a huge learning experience for me. I used to be at the cane farm but now to come to Hong Kong and play with these players is a lifetime experience for me. I am looking forward to learn more from them," he said.
Nakosi hopes to help his team defend the title.
The Hong Kong 10s tournament kicks off today.
"We have some new, good-quality players coming in, some new faces like Joe Lilidamu and Filipe Nakosi, who are both young Fijians," Umaga said.