Nawaido Invasion for Frank’s 50th
It is going to be a Nawaido invasion at Churchill Park as one of its sons Frank Lomani, makes his 50th Super Rugby Pacific appearance against Western Force at 1.05pm today.
His kinsmen from Bua journeyed the Blight Waters this week to join fans and friends as Lomani, 27 takes the field for the game.
He has made 25 appearances for the Melbourne Rebels; today is the 25th time he dons the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua number nine jersey.
“It is so great that I can play my 50th game with my Fijian Drua brothers; it is also special that the majority of those from my village are coming down,” Lomani said yesterday.
Plans started a few weeks ago when he told his dad Beato Raturaciri; to have the elders from his village be part of his Super Rugby achievement.
“They only get to watch Super Rugby on television; this is their chance to watch from the sidelines. This is one aspect of my giving back to the community, especially my village for their part in my upbringing. “This is the least I can do for them.”
Lomani knows that he will be facing one of the best halfbacks in the Southern hemisphere, Wallabies and Western Force skipper Nic White. Lomani says this rivalry adds spice to today’s match.
He acknowledges this and is banking on the Drua fans to turn up again in big numbers. “I thank the 16th man who always turns up in all our games at home and abroad. Not only this year, but over the years, their support is massive, especially for the young kids and the boys that have been putting their hands up week in and week out. This type of support is massive to us.”
Head coach Mick Byrne said, “Frank’s questioning the referee during the game is part of the game.
“He is probably ranked 12th in the competition for halfbacks who give the referees a hard time. Watch him go, he’s pretty well.”