My son is bearing the fruit of his struggles and I'm proud of it – Luisa Ravouvou

I’m proud to see that my son is bearing the fruit of his struggles by accomplishing his dream by wearing the national jumper during the Punjas Pacific Battle Series and Fiji’s historic win against England last week.

This was highlighted by Luisa Ravouvou, the mother of robust Fijian Drua second five-eight and Fiji Water Flying Fijians winger, Kalaveti Ravouvou, during an interview with fijivillage News today.

Luisa believes that the struggles her son has faced after losing his dad at the age of 4, and selling fish, prawns and vegetable produce to earn a living for his family, have motivated him to reach where he is today.

She says before her son was named in the Flying Fijians World Cup squad, Kalaveti had told her that he would be moving to his new club if his name was not announced.

She adds that she advised her son and told him that God would provide for those who needed his blessing.

Ravouvou's mum says it was a celebration at their residence when her son's name was called out, the family members gathered that afternoon to celebrate the announcement by having a thanksgiving service.

The mother of three says her son’s started playing rugby at a young age when he played for Nadroumai Primary School in 2005.

He then represented the Nadroga Kaji rugby team in the Milo Kaji Competition and later joined Cuvu College.

She says her son played in the Vodafone Super Deans Trophy Competition from 2014 to 2015 for Cuvu College and was selected to join the Nadroga Under-20 side in the local provincial championship.

She adds that Kalaveti later joined the Namosi Rugby team where he was recruited as a Fiji Corrections Officer, and while playing for Namosi, he was selected for the Fijian Drua squad for the 2022 season.

Luisa says rugby is not new in their family, as many of his family members are well-known in rugby like former All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo, Kini Naholo, former Flying Fijians looseman Mesulame Kunavula and former Drua players, Jone Navori and Avete Daveta. She believes that Fiji will win their game against Wales next Monday.

The Flying Fijians will play Wales in their first RWC game at 7am next Monday in Bordeaux. The RWC kicks off this Saturday with hosts France taking on the All Blacks at 7.15am in Paris.