FROM the school fields of Kadavu to a switch from football to rugby and a career in New Zealand, Nacani Boginisoko, Kavekini Boselawa and Aporosa Vuniyayawa have taken different paths towards the same goal, a Flying Fijians debut.

Head coach Jake White named the uncapped trio in his squad announced on October 15, giving each a chance to press for selection ahead of the Japan Centennial Test on October 24 and Fiji’s subsequent Nations Championship campaign.

For Boginisoko, the opportunity represents a significant step from the days when his rugby journey began with Milo Kaji at primary school in Kadavu.

Boginisoko has since then rose to prominence through the Dominion Brothers club, represented the Fiji Airways Men’s National Sevens team globally, and spent the last two years cementing his 15s credentials anchoring the midfield for the Nadi senior men’s team.

“For all those who play rugby, I know we all go through a lot of struggles when it comes to preparations in our growth,” he said.

“I’d advise that we need to make sacrifices and work hard if we want to achieve success. Secondly, stay obedient and God will provide.”

While Boginisoko worked his way through the local game, Boselawa arrived at rugby from an entirely different sporting background.

Originally from Naduri, Macuata, the Nadroga centre spent his primary and secondary school years playing football. It was not until 2020, when he was 19, that he switched to rugby.

Since then, his progress through provincial rugby and his contract with the Fijian Drua have brought him closer to the international stage.

“I am just grateful for the opportunity and the trust that they had in me when it came to deciding if I should join the Flying Fijians squad,” Boselawa said.

Vuniyayawa’s development, meanwhile, has taken him across the Pacific. Born in Lautoka, the 26-year-old loose forward represented Thames Valley before joining Counties Manukau for the 2026 Bunnings NPC season, where he made six appearances and scored one try.