'Earn my stripes': Lote Tuqiri's cousin ready to forge his own legacy

Fijian Drua prop Emosi Tuqiri will follow in the footsteps of giants this weekend when he makes his Super Rugby debut against Moana Pasifika in Auckland.

Named to start at loosehead prop for Saturday’s crunch clash at Mt Smart Stadium, the 22-year-old is preparing to add to the legacy forged by his world-class relatives.

Tuqiri is related to former Wallabies stars Tevita and Kirisi Kuridrandi, Waratahs winger Nemani Nadolo, and dual-international Lote Tuqiri.

While there’s plenty of excitement and anticipation ahead of his debut, there’s also no shying away from the pressure of doing the “family name proud.”

But Tuqiri isn’t feeling the heat. He’s ready.

In the week leading up to his Super Rugby debut, Tuqiri told RugbyPass that he’s eager to “make a name for myself.”

“It’s almost a blessing in disguise where it’s pressure but you can learn from what they’ve done and their mistakes,” Tuqiri said.

“It doesn’t mean that I’m not going to make mistakes myself but I’m probably just aware not to have made as many.

The two newest Super Rugby franchises meet in the opening round on Saturday afternoon. #MOAvFIJ pic.twitter.com/aorPAqc0Bw

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 23, 2023

“They’ve been a massive part of the journey in dealing with that pressure.

“For me, it’s not so much the pressure, rugby has always been something that has been in the family and I’ve loved so I focus more on the fun and just enjoying it.

“I’ve even spoken to Lote too. He’s obviously been my idol growing up as a kid.

“He’s taught me a lot and he’s done our family name proud and full respect to everything he’s done. He’s done almost everything you can do in both codes.

“He said it’s my turn now to continue that legacy but not even just the last name (but) to make a name for myself… earn my stripes.”

Heralded as a schoolboy sensation at Brisbane’s Marist College, with his highlight reel surpassing 93,000 views on YouTube, Tuqiri was always destined for greatness.

Tuqiri really could do it all, and was the chosen goal kicker for his club team growing up – a goal kicking prop.

Clearly, the rising star had potential – it was just up to him to make the most of it.

But as the adage goes, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard, and Tuqiri almost learnt that the hard way.

Coming out of school, the Marist First XV captain was “quite overweight.” Tuqiri lost 20-kilos while rugby league, and was called up to the URC to play for the Australian Barbarians shortly after.

From there, his hard work began to pay off as a domino of opportunities began to fall his way.

Eventually, Tuqiri received was given the chance to head south to Victoria where he plied his trade with the Melbourne Rebels.

However, disaster struck in each of his two preseasons with the Rebels, as he was sidelined for 15 weeks ahead of both campaigns with serious injuries.

But as Tuqiri said, “it was all meant to happen.”

“I believe in everything happens for a reason and my timing is not so much, it’s God’s timing,” he added.

“Thinking back now it’s like f*** what a journey it’s been, it’s been two years with back-to-back injuries, going to be making my debut this weekend for my home country.

Bula vinaka 🇫🇯.

Here is your Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team for our season opener vs Moana Pasifika

Congratulations to our debutants Emosi Tuqiri and Iosefo Masi and potential debutants Elia Canakaivata and Taniela Rakuro

Vinaka for your support and prayers, Viti. 💙 pic.twitter.com/gfkVUEX6ms

— Fijian Drua (@Fijian_Drua) February 24, 2023

“It’s almost full circle and pretty grateful.”

Fijian Drua have travelled to Auckland for their Super Rugby season opener against Moana Pasifikia in Auckland.

That match is set to get underway at 4:35pm NZT at Mt Smart Stadium.