Waqa’s passion for rugby helped him overcome all the hurdles.
It has been a dream come true for 20-year-old Osea Waqa who usually sat in-front of the television and watched the national teams play at the elite level.
Since his childhood, Waqa never lost hopes of donning the white jersey.
The young kid hails from Sagani, Cakaudrove but grew up in Namotomoto in Nadi.
He finally got a chance to begin his career in rugby and stamped his mark in the Coca Cola Deans competition, playing for Ratu Navula College from where he got picked for the Fiji Under-20’s which later went on winning the World Junior Trophy Challenge in Romania.
It was then no looking back for Waqa as he got selected into Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors which retained the World Rugby Pacific Cup title for the fourth time in a row.
He started at fullback in the first match against Tonga A and then came off the bench against Junior Japan and Samoa A.
As you all know Kaji Rugby is where the majority of the rugby stars started their career, same was for Waqa who represented Nadi in his childhood days.
As young as 8, Waqa’s passion for rugby helped his overcome all the hurdles. Being the smallest player on the pitch Waqa never lost hopes of achieving a milestone.
Waqa explained that from grass-root level he knew he was on the correct path and on a journey which will never be unsuccessful for him.
“It’s all about obeying instruction, obeying our parents, never get your eyes off your goal and you must keep on striving to reach it and never give up.”
Waqa explained that sometime other people and even friends might doubt you “so you always prove them wrong, knowing that your good will come out of your sacrifice and perseverance. “
The up and coming fullback is also one of the 14 Fiji Warriors players selected in the Pacific Combine team, those who’ll be vying out for a possible overseas contract.
His journey doesn’t has a full-stop for now, after playing for the Pacific Combine side, Waqa joins the national Under-20 team again preparing for the Oceania Championship from 26th of April to 4th of May in Gold Coast, Australia.
He will also be part of the Fiji Under-20 side for the World Junior Champions which will be held from 4th of 22nd of June in Argentina.