Fijians in NZ As the dignified ITM cup draws within arms reach, focus now turns to fellow Fijians making a name for themselves in the prestigious sport we all seem to dote on. In particular two young fellas come to mind. The Tudreu brothers, Nathan(25) and Newton(21) who hail from Nabavatu in the province of Macuata, born in Lautoka and raised in Nadi. Like almost every Fijian boy growing up, their rugby journey began with the local Kaji rugby programme whilst being educated at Nadi Airport School. They later moved on to Nadi Christian Community School with three of the four brothers becoming notable inclusions for Nadi age grade teams. In 2012, Newton received a timely scholarship to further his education and rugby in NZ through the assistance of Kolinio Sewabu run Vunilagi Pasifika Ltd in partnership with International Pacific College, a major boost for him as his raw talent was certainly something not unnoticed. He played premier rugby in Palmerston North for Kia Toa and within a year grabbed the attention of ITM Cup giants Manuwatu Turbos who signed him on for the 2013 season, Newton debuting in ITM rugby at the tender age of 19. Nathan however pursued tertiary studies with Fiji National University, devoting time to his Airport Rugby Club and turning heads in the local Digicel Cup(as it was known then) and Farebrother challenge featuring for Nadi, impressive season (2013) having being named in the starting XV for almost every game. 2014 has been an even bigger year for both, Newton made his biggest break thus far having been called up by Mark Hammett and the Wellington Hurricanes earlier in the year for their Super Rugby pre season match against Auckland Blues. He continued playing in the Gold jersey for Hurricanes development earning much needed exposure sizing up against some of the best players in the world, including Flying Fijian sensation Nemani Nadolo who featured for Crusaders Knights(development). Nathan currently in NZ linking up with younger brother for Kia Toa and Manuwatu Turbos for their pre season games, one would think there was a reincarnation of the Mauger brothers(Aaron and Nathan) back in NZ rugby with the two being replicas of the famous Canterbury duo. Nathan with his robust breaks, using his upperbody strength with precision and brutal in defence whilst Newtons grease lightning speed would leave defenders in leaps and bounds. Newton through his hardwork and sheer determination to prove his worth, was rewarded with an International Rugby Academy of NZ(IRANZ) scholarship, a high performance course at the Sport and Rugby institute at Massey University, which he is now attending. No doubt the All Blacks have set their sights on this elusive gamebreaker, with the likes of Gordon Tietjiens also indicating interest. (Take note FRU, not another Sivivatu escape). Bigger and greater opportunities lie ahead for these brothers, remember the names! From humble beginnings of touch rugby at the dry, hard, hole-filled CAAF grounds to the Cake Tin, one only wonders where to next!
Posted on: Sun, 03 Aug 2014 01:21:05 +0000
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