Inia Tabuavou Of Fiji Rugby has terminated his contract with Team and left fans Voiceless due to…..
Inia Tabuavou, a prominent Fijian rugby union player, has recently made headlines by terminating his contract with French club Racing 92 to join the Fijian Drua for the 2025 and 2026 Super Rugby seasons.
Born on August 31, 2002, in Lautoka, Fiji, Tabuavou’s journey to professional rugby is a testament to resilience and determination. After the passing of his father in 2013, young Inia took on the responsibility of supporting his family, selling cakes and roti on the streets to make ends meet. His dedication to both his family and his sport eventually earned him a scholarship to Rotorua Boys’ High School in New Zealand, setting the stage for his rugby career.
In 2020, at the age of 17, Tabuavou joined Racing 92, a top-tier French rugby club competing in the Top 14 league. Over two seasons, he made 21 appearances and scored three tries, showcasing his versatility by playing as a wing, centre, and fullback. His strong performances on both offense and defense did not go unnoticed, leading to his debut with the Fiji national team in 2024. He earned his first cap against Georgia and later played against New Zealand, where he delivered a notable tackle on Cortez Ratima.
Despite his success in Europe, Tabuavou felt a strong pull to return home. In August 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the Fijian Drua, expressing excitement about playing in a new competition and being closer to his family. He stated, “It feels good to be home, especially with the Drua family. I’m looking forward to trying out the new environment, especially the culture of the team and also the type of rugby they play.”
Tabuavou’s decision to leave Racing 92 and join the Fijian Drua has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Many are thrilled to see a homegrown talent return, anticipating that his international experience will bolster the Drua’s performance in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Others are surprised by his departure from European rugby, where he had established a promising career. Nonetheless, his move underscores a growing trend of Fijian players returning to contribute to the development of rugby in their homeland.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Tabuavou remains deeply connected to his roots. He often supports local street vendors, empathizing with their struggles from his own experiences. He shared, “When I see small kids selling on the street, I buy everything they have. Even if it’s just one roti, I’ll give them $100 because I know what it feels like. I’ve been in their shoes before.”
As he prepares for his debut with the Fijian Drua in the 2025 Super Rugby season, Tabuavou aims to make a significant impact. He is particularly focused on helping the team secure victories in away games and representing the Flying Fijians on the international stage. His return is not just a boost for the Drua but also serves as an inspiration for many young athletes in Fiji, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, success is attainable both at home and abroad.
In summary, Inia Tabuavou’s decision to terminate his contract with Racing 92 and join the Fijian Drua has left fans both surprised and excited. His journey from the streets of Lautoka to international rugby highlights his resilience and commitment to his roots. As he embarks on this new chapter, the rugby community eagerly anticipates the contributions he will make to Fijian rugby in the coming seasons.
