By Michelle Curran
Executive Communications Manager, Pasifika TV/PCBL
Kitting up for the All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa is a far cry from Emoni Narawa’s childhood, spent kicking a footy around in his backyard in Serua, Fiji.
Born in Suva, the 27-year-old grew up in a small village with about eight houses, where he spent most of his time playing with the rugby ball alongside his dad and brothers, Emoni says.
“Little did I know I was going to become an All Black,” he adds.
As a teenager, Emoni moved to Aotearoa New Zealand to take up a scholarship at Hamilton Boys High, before heading to the Bay of Plenty, where he calls home currently.
The talented wing played for the Chiefs Under 18s and made his provincial debut for the Steamers at the age of 19, before being picked up by the Blues in 2020.
In 2022, Narawa made the shift to join the Gallagher Chiefs and after a stellar season 2023 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season was named in the All Blacks squad for the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship, and scored a try on debut against Argentina.
Injury has plagued Emoni since, ruled out of the 2023 World Cup after the first week with a slipped disc in his back; last year saw him sidelined with broken ribs and a punctured lung suffered in a Test against the Springboks; and on return to playing for the Chiefs, he broke a foot and has had a recent wrist injury.
Grateful for comeback
While he has not had the smoothest of journeys in the Black Jersey, Emoni is grateful to have recovered in time to be selected as part of the 44-strong All Blacks side for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa and the United States.
It is three decades since the All Blacks last toured South Africa.
The upcoming tour features eight matches, including four Test matches against the Springboks, and spans seven weeks.
Emoni says making the side is an honour, which he shares with his family in Aotearoa and Fiji.
“It means a lot…this is one of those tours that comes once in a while and to be part of it, it’s pretty special,” he says.
“Not only for me, but for my family, my partner, my two kids and obviously my mum and dad back at home.
“I always say they’ve sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am today – sacrificed a lot for me to even come to New Zealand as a schoolboy and I am really proud to represent them.”
Some Fijian flair
While he would love to devour his mum’s cooking on tour, including his favourite fried fish with coconut cream and dalo, he will settle for the team nutritionist’s menu to help give him that “Fijian flair” he is known for, he quips.
“I like to think that I play with a bit of flair and just love to back myself, play with what’s in front of me and back my instincts.
“This is a tour I’m not sure when it will happen again…I am really excited, it’s going to be a huge challenge.
“We know there’s respect between the proud nations and we’re looking forward to going over and representing New Zealand.”
Aside from his family, it is his faith which drives him to keep pushing and overcome obstacles in his way.
“Always put God first – I think that is the main one for me – and always believe in yourself.”
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Fixtures (NZST):
- August 8, 5am: All Blacks v Stormers, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- August 12, 5am: All Blacks v Sharks, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
- August 16, 5am: All Blacks v Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- August 23, 3am: All Blacks v Springboks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg (first Test)
- August 26, 5am: All Blacks v Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- August 30, 3am: All Blacks v Springboks, DHL Stadium, Cape Town (second Test)
- September 6, 3am: All Blacks v Springboks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (third Test)
- September 13, 9am: All Blacks v Springboks, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore (fourth Test).
On September 5, the Black Ferns will face the Springbok Women at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, at 11:30pm NZST, in the curtain-raiser for the men’s Test.
Thanks to support from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pasifika TV, in partnership with Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, is proud to screen Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour LIVE to affiliated broadcasters in the region.
For more information, visit Pasifika TV or your local broadcaster.