It was always his dream to wear the white jersey and represent Fiji – Josaia Raisuqe’s father

Tevita Wesivalu Raisuqe, the father of Fiji Men’s 7s player Josaia Raisuqe, is over the moon after his son was named to be part of the Paris Olympics team and says that it was his son’s dream to wear the white jersey and represent Fiji on the international stage.

Tevita says his son started playing rugby when he was in Primary School at Lutu District School in Naitasiri, and his dream was to represent Fiji.

He says his son's dream came true when his name was announced in 2015 to be part of the extended squad of the National 7s team. He says Josaia is a person who works hard towards his dream to see that he fulfils it.

Josaia, who is from Lutu in Naitasiri, grew up in the village and attended Lutu District School and then went to Lomaivuna High School before completing his studies at Lelean Memorial High School.

He played rugby from primary to secondary school. He played for the Lelean U18 Vodafone Super Deans Competition in 2014, where he was spotted by Fiji Rugby selectors while playing in the Martintar and Marist 7s in 2015, and Ben Ryan selected him for the Fiji 7s team for the 2015 Hong Kong 7s.

He is currently playing for Castres in France. Josaia also played for Tailevu U20 and then later joined the Tailevu senior rugby team while still studying in Lelean.

Raisuqe says he and his wife always support their son's rugby career whenever he plays for any local tournament. He says the support from his family and the Vanua is a motivation for Josaia to achieve greater successful stories in life through rugby.

He says two weeks before the announcement of the team, his son had told them that Osea Kolinisau had been contacting him that he needed to come and be part of the team Fiji to the Paris Olympics.

His father says he always reminded Raisuqe not to forget God in everything he does because the Lord will guide him in all the things he does.

He says his son always listens to his instruction, which resulted in his performance on the national rugby stage.

Teivta says they supported Josaia's ambition through farming by selling yaqona and dalo. Josaia is the second youngest of the siblings of five. He has also sent the family's best wishes to Josaia and the Fiji team and urged them to play their hearts out for their family, their Vanua and most importantly, the people of Fiji.

Fiji is in a tough pool with host France, USA and Uruguay.

The Men’s Olympic 7s competition will be held from the 25th to the 28th of this month.