Growing up, 28-year-old Salesi Rayasi has always dreamt to be a professional rugby player and play international rugby like his father, Filipe Rayasi, and that dream is one step away from being complete after he was named in the Fiji Water Flying Fijians final 32-member squad for the upcoming July test series against the Wallabies and Scotland.
Originally from Matuku, Lau, Salesi says he was shocked when he was contacted by coach Mick Byrne asking him if he wants to play for the Flying Fijians, and he adds it was an unreal feeling.
The former All Blacks 7s player currently plays for Vannes Rugby Club in France in the Top 14 competition.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Rayasi says he was emotional after receiving the phone call that he has been named in the squad, as he remembers when he was little, he usually goes to his grandparents' place and see old photos of his dad when he was playing for Fiji.
Rayasi says he is just now focusing on some areas that he needs to work on like his kicking game and playing in the right areas of the field.
He says playing test rugby, everything becomes more shorter in time and space, and for him, he is just trying to bring more of a tactical mindset, because he knows that every Fijian can run, offload, and tackle.
He adds that the upcoming test against the Wallabies will be a tough one, especially when they are preparing for their test series against the British and Irish Lions.
Rayasi says it will also be the same when they play against Scotland.
He says they will focus on one game at a time.
The Flying Fijians will take on the Wallabies at 3.30pm next Sunday at Newcastle International Sports Centre.
They will then play Scotland on the 12th of July at 3pm at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
