From the Skipper Cup to the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, that’s the  journey taken by robust FMF Suva rugby backrow Isoa Tuwai.

Signed last year as a development player with the Fijian Drua, the 23-year-old turned heads with his strong carries, physicality and bone-crushing tackles.

On Monday, Tuwai was called aside by senior club officials, for a heart-to-heart talk where they reminded him that his life is about to change and how he should handle it.

Yesterday, Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson named Tuwai in the Match 23 squad for Saturday’s Super Rugby opener against the ACT Brumbies at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.

In a recent interview with SUNsports, Tuwai said he had to put on hold his Bachelor of Commerce studies at the University of the South Pacific to pursue his rugby career.

“Personally, for me if God is not in your story, then it will be hard,” he told SUNsports.

“If God is in your story, then keep on believing every day, keep working hard and be obedient. It is really important if you are to make it far anywhere.”

He said it has been a tough journey that started with the Lautoka Under-19 rugby team. Tuwai who hails from Natutu in Ba also played for the Nadi Development team and Suva.

He also represented the Fiji Under- 20 rugby side and the Fijian Warriors.

Saumaisue in, Valetini out

Meanwhile, the Brumbies have named former Fiji U20 backrow Judah Saumaisue on the reserve bench while enforcer Rob Valetini has been ruled out due to injury.

Saumaisue on the reserve bench while enforcer Rob Valetini has been ruled out due to injury. The match kicks-off at 3.35pm.

LINE-UPS

Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (co-captain), 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Leone Rotuisolia, 6. Joseva Tamani, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Vuate Karawalevu, 12. Kemu Valetini, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Ponipate Loganimasi, 15. Isikeli Rabitu.

Reserves: 16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Livai Natave, 18. Meli Tuni, 19. Vilive Miramira, 20. Isoa Tuwai, 21. Frank Lomani (co-captain), 22.Peni Matawalu, 23. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Brumbies: 1. Blake Schou pp, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Feao Fotuaika, 4. Lachlan Shaw, 5. Tom Hooper, 6. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 7. Luke Reimer, 8. Rory Scott, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Cory Toole, 12. Austin Anderson, 13. Hudson Creighton, 14. Ollie Sapsford, 15. Andy Muirhead.

Reserves: 16.Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Lington Ieli, 18. Rhys van Nek, 19. Cadeyrn Neville, 20. Judah Saumaisue, 21. Harrison Goddard, 22. Declan Meredith, 23. Kadin Pritchard.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj