Winning Under-18 Deans fullback Maika Ratuvere would love to pursue a career in medicine to fall back to after playing rugby.

The 18-year-old Bagata, Cakaudrove lad aspires to be nurse or a health inspector.

He represented the Queen Victoria School (QVS) old boys Under-19 side in the recent R.C. Manubhai Nataleira sevens tournament at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori a week ago.

Ratuvere was the fullback of the QVS U18 team that won the Deans trophy this year.

“I wanted to test my fitness level in sevens rugby after the conclusion of the Deans rugby competition,” he said.

He said QVS was his perfect choice to experience independence with the school boarding life and brotherly bond.

“I’ve been playing rugby since the Kaji rugby days with the Nasinu and Tailevu teams,” he said.

“I also played rugby league for the U15 school side in the halfback position; I attended St Joseph the Worker Primary School in Nakasi.”

Ratuvere said he enjoys playing rugby with passion to showcase his talent.

“It’s my hobby as well and I want to pursue a career in medicine for an opportunity to help people,” he said.

“I’ve faced numerous injuries in my rugby journey but managed to recover to play again.”

He added an individual has to be versatile and committed to balance sports with academic work.

“It’s a bit of a challenge to juggle the two but I try my best to control it.

“There is a tight bond within the team in and off the field.”

Ratuvere said he has learned to be more disciplined playing rugby.

“I was named in the U18 Fiji Secondary school extended squad but was later dropped due to injury.

“When you’re good at something, just go for it.”

Ratuvere has maternal links to Batiri village in Nadroga and plays volleyball as well.

“I’m just training to improve my fitness and looking for a holiday job,” he added.

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