They say good things come in twos.
For Joseph and Jimmy Waqaivolavola this was definitely true. Collectively the twins, till last month were students of Suva Grammar School, more importantly were part of the the school’s U16 rugby team. Well, until Joseph left for Japan in April on a scholarship which enables him to study and continue playing rugby for his new school, Oita Maizuru High School.
Joseph left behind his twin Jimmy, a decision the twins had to talk about and because they’d been together all 16 years of their lives – this was not an easy decision to make. As hard as it was though, they parted so Joseph could begin the journey of fulfilling his dream to pursue his rugby career.
“It was not easy seeing Joseph go. We were always together, he was my twin.”
But last week however, Jimmy received his own farewell from his mates from the school by the Nasese seafront. Jimmy, who was the Captain of the U16 side that won the final against Lelean Memorial School has also been offered a place at Massey High School in Auckland.
Family Support
Like any parent Leona Reece brought her sons up knowing that one day they will pursue their dreams. But little did she know the path to those dreams came a little early and her babies would have to leave the nest much quicker than she expected.
Living in the United States of America away from her children, Leona drove home to the them the importance of being vigilant in their studies, giving their best at training and loving God above all else.
“It’s not easy being away from them, but they understand that I’m here to work so that they can have a good life, sacrificing being away from my babies because I want a better life for them.” an emotional Leona said.
During the interview, Jimmy placed a call to his mother. As mother and son interacted, tears flowed. A private, special moment shared between a wonderful mother and her boy.
To us she said “I’ve always known that they will achieve big things, because they were God’s gifts to me. I have always encouraged them to love God, love their family and love each other above.”
“The boys have worked hard for this. Them getting their scholarship is all from their hard work. I am so proud of them and I will continue to support them no matter what.”
“What more can I ask for? There are always going to be challenges but we learn and grow from them.”
A teary Jimmy said “My mother has done everything for us. Joseph and I and our siblings are so grateful we have a Mum like her who goes over and above to cater for whatever we need. The only thing she asks is that we honor our elders, we love God and work hard so we can secure a good future for ourselves.”
“I am also very thankful to the rest of my immediate family who looked after us while Mum has been away. They supported us and helped us on this journey. I will always be grateful for my family” the young man from Bau said.
Nadredre’s Journey
For Josua Nadredre, rugby was something he had to acquire. The vice captain of the Suva Grammar School U16 side attended a private school during his primary school years and the sport was not offered there.
In 2022, the young boy from Nadroga enrolled into SGS and the rest they say is history.
“He never played rugby at all like the other kids who went to the public schools and had the exposure to programs like Kaji rugby etc. My son never had that at all.” his mother Maraia Musu Nadredre said.
His mother said however that even though he didn’t play the game, his love and interest for the sport grew as he accompanied his father to watch Nadroga’s rugby games.
“My husband is from Nadroga and he would take Josua to watch all of Nadroga’s games whenever they played. And rugby is a sport that is like religion to the people of Nadroga and he just loved the game.”
“Rugby almost came naturally to Josua.”
Josua is the other student that is accompanying Jimmy to Massey High School and the duo departed Fiji last week.
Maraia said it hasn’t been easy letting their only child leave for this scholarship award.
“As parents we have had our reservations, our concerns because he is an only child. But when we took it to God in prayer, we were flooded with His peace and we were able to release our child to take up this offer because we know this is from God.”
“Josua is a focused boy, he knows how important this scholarship is and he is very thankful to his coach Mr Osborne for helping him develop his skills in rugby and most importantly he acknowledges that it has been God all along.”
In the final of the U16 grade at this years’s Vodafone Deans competition, Josua was awarded the Best Player of the Game award.
When he returned home that evening he told his mother that he would use rugby as a way of glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Na Kalou ena cakava na ka lelevu ena vukuqu, ya edua na gaunisala au na vakadewa taka kina na loloma ni Kalou. Me ra na kila na noqui tokani ni Kalou qo e Kalou yalo dina.”
SGS U16 coach Epeli Osborne said the duo were talented and it was no surprise that they were identified by the school in NZ.
“These 2 boys show commitment and dedication and when they were chosen it was a welcome decision. “
Moce Mada Suva Grammar
As young as they are, one can see that good things are ahead for the two boys from Suva Grammar School in terms of their education and especially in the rugby field.The two boys mothers Leona and Maraia had farewelled the boys reminding them to stay grounded.
“Give your studies your best, give your rugby training the best also. Honor the sacrifices of those who have helped you on your journey, your family, your coach, your team mates. Yet, most of all, honor God through your hard work.”
And as much as they will miss their mates, their families and their community, one can only imagine the heights they will ascend with the doors that have opened before them.
From Suva Grammar School to Massey High School, good things really do come in twos, in fact for these boys, it is definitely more than just good.
