Rotuma-born ACT Brumbies loosehead prop Linghton Leli is grateful for the opportunity to play his first Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match at home.

Leli has been named on the bench and is expected to come in as an impact player.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, the 20-year-old said it was an emotional moment for him to be back home.

“If possible, I would play for the Flying Fijians, but the focus is on the season for the Brumbies in Super Rugby,” he said.

Leli is from Malaha’a Village in Rotuma with maternal links to Uma Village in Rabi.

“I was born in Suva and I have some family members living in Nakasi and Nadera,” he said.

“I grew up here till I was three then I went to Australia, and I’ve been living there since.”

At 19, Leli was included in the Brumbies Academy.

“I was given the opportunity to play with the main squad and I was in Fiji two years ago and was in Rabi Island for Christmas,” he said.

“It’s incredible to think that I’ll be playing for the Brumbies as I didn’t think of it, to be honest; being here is incredible.”

His mother Bernadette said Leli has been playing rugby since he was six years old.

“He has really worked hard for his rugby dreams and he deserves it,” she said.

“His father is over the moon and is really appreciative of his efforts and the only thing we can do is to encourage him.”

Bernadette said family members from the Rotuman and Banahan side are excited for his Super Rugby Pacific debut in Suva.

“They are appreciative of him, and we are so excited, and we’ll see how he performs in his first game,” she added.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj