Nalaga set to follow his fathers footsteps

The footprint set by his father in the inaugural Rugby World Cup 24 years ago is what Napolioni Nalaga has set his goal on following.

Kavekini Nalaga senior donned the national jumper and played in New Zealand for the side which reached the quarter finals in 1987.

They both played in the same position as a wing with the young Nalaga boasting a profile which is far better than his father's.
 
But it is at the international level where Nalaga has failed badly although he has represented Fiji to the RWC in the U-19, U-21 and also in the failed Melrose Cup campaign defence in 2009.

The France Top 14 competition highest try scorer in the 2008 and 2009 season - where he was also voted Player of the Year, is yet to enjoy the same success in Test level.

His first appearance for the Pacific Islanders team resulted in a red card in 2008 and surprisingly since his debut in the national jumper in November 2009, he has played in 5 Test and has not tasted a win.

Known as the “Black Beast” in France, Nalaga’s worst season was this year where he failed to return to his club in France and it resulted in his contract being terminated.

The 25 year old knows the RWC is a chance of redemption in a tournament and a nation where his father once set their family history as the household name in the rugby circle.