26-year-old Joseva Baleloa, a hooker for the Kadavu Rugby Union, could not hold back his tears and emotions when he was announced as part of the Fijian Latui team set to tour France in the coming days.
Baleloa says his thoughts immediately turned to his father, who has struggled but continued to support him throughout his rugby journey, never giving up on him even during difficult times.
The Nakaseleka, Kadavu hooker previously played for Naitasiri and Namosi before returning to represent his vanua, Kadavu, where he earned his call-up to the Fijian Latui squad.
The former Queen Victoria School and Marist Brothers High School student became emotional while speaking to fijivillage Sports, saying the sacrifices he had made and the long wait had finally been worth it.
The Fijian Latui squad announced today includes 10 locally based players, with the remainder made up of overseas-based players.
Former Fiji 7s player Kaminieli Rasuka and Mesake Doge were among the notable names included in the squad announced today.
The schedule for the Latui's matches in Europe is expected to be announced soon.
