Twenty-year-old Beniamino Kalounidau left Vanua Levu a few months ago to chase his dream as a professional rugby player.
That dream will soon become a reality after the Savusavu lad made a winning debut for Nadroga last Saturday as a wing in their 33-13 victory over Yasawa.
Kalounidau never dreamt of joining the Nadroga team but he proved himself worthy of donning the number 11 jersey.
“I have always wanted to play in a top local rugby event such as the Skipper Cup and I’m grateful to be given a chance to join Nadroga.
“I’ve only played once at Lawaqa Park in the Coral Coast 7s and to be playing for Nadroga in the Skipper Cup competition is a dream come true, especially alongside some renowned players such as Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jiuta Lutumailagi and Napolioni Nalaga.
“My dream is to be a successful rugby player and repay my parents for their hardwork and have a better standard for my family in future,” said Kalounidau.
The speedster was spotted by the Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit and Nadroga gave him a chance to showcase his talents against Yasawa His parents arrived in Suva on Saturday morning and travelled to Lawaqa Park to watch their son play his first Skipper Cup match for the Stallions.
In the weekend’s matches, Nadroga will take on Lautoka at Churchill Park in Lautoka, newcomers Yasawa will face Naitasiri at Nadovu Park, Namosi to battle neighbours Suva at the ANZ Stadium in the match of the round, while Tailevu hosts Nadi at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.
