It is a household name in soccer but for Albert Vulivuli, he has made it in another sport.
Older brother Thomas Vulivuli is a former national soccer rep while younger sister Finau is the first local female FIFA badge holder referee who has officiated in the Womens World Cup and also during major soccer tournaments in the country.
Albert Vulivuli who hails from the Hidden Paradise of Fiji, Savusavu, decided to take a different direction from his brother while at high school in Saint Bedes College.
He received a scholarship to attend Hamilton Boys High School in Waikato in 2004 and a year later Vulivili was part of the Waikato Under-20 team and the Waikato B team from 2005 to 2008 before moving across to Australia.
The 26 year old started playing professional rugby in Australia, playing for the Queensland Reds in the 2009 Super 14 season but did not have a lot of game time.
He moved to France shortly after the season ended - to join his new Top 14 club, “Bourgoin” and made his Top 14 debut against Racing Métro ‘92 in September 2009 - playing on the wing.
Vulivuli played 16 games for them - all on the wing.
After the 2009 10 Top 14 season ended, he joined Racing Métro 92.
After Kameli Ratuvou pulled out of the national team for the 2010 end of year rugby tests, Vulivuli was called in as a replacement where he made his Flying Fijians debut.
Best known for his strong runs and ferocious tackles in the Top 14 competition in France - now Vulivuli want to continue with his trademark in his first Rugby World Cup.
Fiji will play against Namibia next Saturday at 3.30pm in their opening World Cup pool game.
You can catch the exclusive live radio commentary of the match on Viti FM with the new voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and 2007 World Cup coach, Ilivasi Tabua.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
