He is destined to be the next big thing for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at this year’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Even sevens maestro Waisale Serevi was impressed with Isoa Tuwai’s physicality and bone crushing tackles during the recent McDonald’s Coral Coast Sevens tournament.

Drua head coach Glen Jackson tested Tuwai at No.6, No.7 and No.8 during the pre-season clash against RFC Los Angeles in Lautoka. He stood his ground against the experienced Semi Kunatani and even scored a try in the 33-26 win.

The 23-year-old played at centre at the start of his career before switching to the forwards.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Tuwai said he had to give up his university studies to pursue a career in rugby.

“I was struggling in trying to juggle between school and rugby,” he recalled.
“Then I was doing a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Land Management) at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva, but I told my father that I really wanted to pursue rugby.

“Personally, for me if God is not in your story, then it will be hard. If God is in your story, then keep on believing everyday, keep working hard and be obedient. It is really important if you are to make it far anywhere.”
Tuwai said it was the triumphant run by the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in the then HSBC World Sevens Series that got him hooked to the sport.

“The passion was always there but I started playing rugby at the age of 11 that’s when my parents allowed me to play.”

He hails from Natutu Village in Ba and has maternal links to Vanuadina in Tailevu.

“I was born and raised in Suva because my parents both work in the city. I attended Christian Mission Fellowship (CMF) Primary School and finished off at Marist Brothers Primary School. I attended Suva Grammar School doing my Year 9 and 10 before moving to Natabua High School.”
Tuwai said it has been a tough journey that started with the Lautoka Under-19 rugby team.

“I tried out for the Nadi senior team but managed to play for the development team. I made the Fiji Under-20 side and then to the Fijian Warriors.”
He did not look back and then made it to the FMF Suva side for the Skipper Cup competition in 2023 and 2024.
Tuwai looks up to his parents as they are his best role models in life.
“They (parents) went through many hardships just like any other family. Watching them keep us safe during those trying times kept us stable. It also motivates me to pay them back,” he added.

As the countdown starts for the Drua’s opening clash against the ACT Brumbies on February 15, Tuwai is focused on his training and his mission to make the Match 23 squad.

“I’m calling on fans to come out in big numbers to support the Drua against the Brumbies,” he added.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj