Jale Daucakacaka 
Waqa Nalaga [Source: Fijian Drua]
Waqa Nalaga is looking to emulate the achievements of his elder brother and former Flying Fijian winger, Napolioni.
The 20-year-old center was playing in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship for Manawatu earlier this year before receiving the call-up to join the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
Nalaga says Napolioni’s decorated career on the rugby field, marked by successful professional stints with clubs across Europe, motivated him to pursue a career in the sport, and he is enjoying every minute of it.
“Wherever he goes, I go. I watch his rugby, where he plays. In France, when I was a little kid, seeing what he was doing, I learned a lot from there. What also motivated me is my dad and my other brother; they were already representing our family name. But I am pretty keen to pick it up and continue the journey.”
Nalaga’s father, Kavekini, also represented Fiji in rugby in the 1980s. Meanwhile, Nalaga, a former national Under-20 representative, is one of five rookies in the Fijian Drua side expected to make their debut in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific next year.
The other new players include winger Epeli Momo, lock forward Sailosi Vukalokalo, and fly halves Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Isikeli Rabitu.
The Fijian Drua will face the Blues in their opening match in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season on February 24 in Auckland.
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