Tailevu Teenager shines on International Stage

Former Lelean Memorial School student Setareki Turagacoke put on an impressive performance for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians on his debut against Spain and again over the weekend against Ireland scoring a try in both matches.

Fiji’s Setareki Turagacoke breaks through to score his try during the Autumn Nations Series rugby union match between Ireland and Fiji, at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
Peter Morrison – stringer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

At just 18-years-old, Turagacoke from Dakuinuku, Tailevu delivered in spectacular fashion during the closing stages of both matches.

In the game against Spain with the Flying Fijians leading in the final quarter, Turagacoke won a crucial lineout, setting up a forward drive that culminated in the young forward scoring his first-ever test try, much to the delight of his teammates and fans alike. Probably only more impressing would be that the following week he would go on to score again against arguably the best Rugby team in the world at the time that this was written.

Turagacoke is a product of Fiji Rugby’s High Performance Unit and was dentified for his talent at the age of 16, where he quickly progressed through the HPU Apprentice program and Academy, impressing coaches and selectors with his speed, strength, and technical ability.

His rapid development in the local rugby scene led to a career-defining move earlier this year, securing a contract with Stade Français Paris.

The 18-year-old’s performances with the Stade Français Academy has seen him also make appearances for the senior team in the French Top 14.

If he is the standard of Fiji’s rugby future, dare we say that the next level of Fijian rugby will soon be upon us? And from how things are looking, it seems it will be amazing.