Waisea Nayacalevu’s dream was to become a professional rugby player and despite the separation of his parents, he never lost focus on achieving his dream.
Nayacalevu’s father, Waisale Natuna Vuidravuwalu says his son always dreamt of becoming a professional rugby player when he was young.
He says despite the challenges Nayacalevu faced after their divorce when he was still in primary school, Nayacalevu never lost focus on achieving his goal.
Vuidravuwalu says the family was excited when Nayacalevu was named to captain the Fiji Water Flying Fijians to the Rugby World Cup.
He adds that his last advice to his son before they departed for France was to never forget God.
Nayacalevu grew up in his village in Sadro, Deuba and attended Deuba District School from Year 1 to 8.
He attended Lomary Secondary School from Year 9 to 10 before moving to Rampur College to complete his Year 11 studies.
He then started assisting his father at their farm.
Nayacalevu started playing rugby during the Milo Kaji Competition. After he left school in Year 11, he joined the Uprising Resort 7s team for the Marist 7s in 2011 where he was spotted by the Fiji Rugby selectors.
He was selected to join the Fiji 7s team for the 2011 to 2012 World Rugby Sevens Series.
He was also selected to be part of the Flying Fijians side for the 2012 IRB Pacific Nations Cup, before signing with French club Stade Français after a thrilling performance in the PNC.
He made his debut for Stade Francais against Montpellier in August 2012, and was also selected to be part of the 2015 and 2019 Flying Fijians World Cup squad.
He is currently playing for Toulon in France.
The Flying Fijians will take on Wales on the 11th of this month at 7am in their first RWC game.
The RWC kicks off next Saturday with hosts France taking on the All Blacks at 7.15am.
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