Former Flying Fijian centre and Nadroga coach Esala Nauga received one of the best news he’s had so far on Sun­day.

His son and Perpignan centre Alivereti Duguivalu was named in the France A team which will take on England XV team at Alliance stadium in Twickenham, England on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has followed into the footsteps of fellow Fijians who have represented French rugby in­cluding Tavite Veredamu, Alifereti Raka, Noa Nakaitaci and Virimi Vakatawa.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday proud dad, Nauga said it was a hap­py and special moment for their family to receive the news that his son (Duguivalu) was selected to represent France.

“We are very proud of what he has achieved,” he said.

“For a long time, he has been knocking on the doors of Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), but he wasn’t accepted. I’m thankful to the Lord for His plans for my son as he missed out on the Flying Fijians, but France rugby has secured him.”

The Nadroumai, Nadroga native advised his son to be determined and keep working hard.

“In the Bible, it is written that the man who works hard will not be ashamed of anything,” he said.

“His hard work has allowed him to reach the stage of his life where he is now.”

Playing history
Duguivalu began playing rugby in the Milo Kaji rugby competition for Nadroumai Primary School for the under 9 and 10 teams.

He went on to represent Cuvu College lege in the Vodafone Deans rugby competition in the Ul4, 15 and 16 grades.

At the age of 17, Duguivalu made the move to France in 2018 to play for the Perpignan club in the Pro D2 rugby competition.

He has been instrumental for his club, playing in 88 matches in the Pro D2, Top 14 and Challenge Cup competitions respectively in eight easons.

Duguivalu was part of the Joueurs Issus des Filieres de For­mation (JIFF) pathway which qual­ifies for players who have spent five years playing age-grade rugby at any FFR-affiliated club, or three seasons with a French professional club’s academy by the age of 23.

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