Hailing from a province in Fiji which is known for their motto of ma’e na ma’e - which is a do or die, Malakai Ravulo wants to do the same for the Flying Fijians in the Rugby World Cup.

Ravulo is from Nokonoko Village in Saivou, Ra but plays his rugby with the North Harbour club in the New Zealand ITM competition.

The 107 kg loose forward started his rugby as a back-line player while playing for Ratu Sukuna Memorial School in Suva before moving to QVS and played for the U-19 team in 2002 in the Deans trophy competition.

In the same year, he represented Fiji in the U-21 side before he moved to the Hellensville Club, in North shore in NZ.

His talents was quickly notice by NZ 7s coach Gordon Tietjens who included him in his 7s squad in 2009 but the Ra lad did not make the final team in the IRB Sevens Series.

The 26 year old has been the first choice open side flanker for the North Harbour team in the New Zealand provincial competition and made his debut in the national side in the Europe Tour last year.

Ravulo knows that to be in the starting 15s does not come easily as it will require a lot of sacrifice with 2007 RWC number 7, Akapusi Qera still in the frame for the position.
 
He is the first from his village to wear the Fiji jumper and he knows he will have to play with a big heart to do his province and Fiji proud.

Fiji’s opening pool game is against Namibia this Saturday at 3.30pm and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti-FM with the new voice of rugby Malakai Veisamasama and 2007 World Cup coach Ilivasi Tabua.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi