After years of hard work, determination, and sacrifice, 22-year-old Michael Naitokani has finally achieved his long childhood dream of playing in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The former Queen Victoria student was named in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua early this year after being part of the development squad for a few months.
Naitokani, who hails from the village of Tawake in Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu, has always dreamt of playing rugby since he was a child.
“Rugby has always been a part of my life, it was always something I have loved since the beginning,” he said.
The lanky playmaker’s journey over the years has been nothing short of hard work and determination.
He started off playing rugby for his primary school during the Milo Kaji competition from under nine, all the way to under 14.
“My journey in rugby goes all the way back to primary school, playing in the Milo Kaji competition. I think this is where I developed the dream of playing rugby competitively.”
Slowly by slowly, Naitokani was able to find his groove on the rugby field and decided that rugby would be something he would pursue.
He attended QVS in 2014 where he represented the school at the renowned Vodafone Deans Trophy until he was in form five.
They managed to reach the finals of the Deans Trophy competition with his high school side in 2016 against all-time rival Ratu Kadavulevu School, but was thrashed, 20-5.
“I spent three in years in QVS before I moved to New Zealand after receiving a full scholarship to study and play rugby.”
Despite the sour loss, Naitokani had managed to please overseas scouts during his three years with QVS and received a scholarship to study and play rugby at Hastings High School in New Zealand.
The Cakaudrove lad quickly rose to expectations before joining the Crusaders Training Academy in 2019.
But during a special visit to Fiji in 2020, Naitokani was stuck in the country after nation-wide lock downs were implemented after the COVID-19 pandemic.
He decided to stay in the country and pursue a rugby career here where he played club rugby for two years.
In 2022, he was approached and asked if he was interested in playing for Suva in the prestigious Farebrother’s Trophy and later being named into the Army squad for the Sukuna Bowl.
His dream of playing at Super Rugby level finally materialised before his eyes early this year when he was named into the Fijian Drua squad.
“Being named in the Fijian Drua is a dream come true for me, it has always been something I’ve been praying about.
“I’m just very thankful for the opportunity.”
For the youngster, rubbing shoulders among some of the best rugby players in Fiji is mind-blowing.
“I’ve been a very huge fan of Frank Lomani, I just love his style of play and how he is a very humble person. I know I’m new to the team, but I am ready to put my life on the line to represent my country.
“Luckily, in joining the Fijian Drua, Naitokani has found it quite easy in blending with the players and making himself at home.
“I know many of the boys here, some of us actually played together or against each other in the Farebrother competition.”
Naitokani is also the younger cousin of Flying Fijian prop Mesulame Dolokoto, who has always been a role model to him since he was a child.
“I have always looked up to him when I was younger because he had already been playing for Fiji by that time,” he said.
“And to be in the same team with him is such a beautiful thing for me.”
But at the end of the day, Naitokani credits the prayers and fasting of his family in bringing him to where he is today over the past decade.
“My family are my biggest supporters, they are always praying for my rugby career and always checking up on me every now and then.”
Profile:
Name: Michael Naitokani
Date of birth: March 9, 2000
Roots: Tawake, Cakaudrove
Nickname: Micks
Position: Five eight
Playing records: 2019- Played for Canterbury under 19; Played for Belfast Rugby Club in Christchurch; 2019- Won the Jock Hobbs cup in the under-19 tournament
: 2022- Played for Nadroga in Skipper Cup
: 2022- Played for Fiji Warriors Achievements; Nadroga won the Inkk Farebrother and defended it in 2022
Fun Fact: Love singing but don’t have the voice
