Standing tall at 2.01 meters, Isaia Lotawa is making strides towards achieving his dream of playing for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and the Flying Fijians. The towering lock, who hails from Nalotawa Village in Ba, has been steadily gaining recognition in Fiji’s rugby landscape, particularly after an outstanding performance during the 2025 Skipper Cup season with the Ba Rugby Union.
Lotawa’s journey came to a proud moment when he captained Ba in their recent quarter-final match against Naitasiri at Lawaqa Park. Despite the team’s earlier-than-expected exit, he remains optimistic and focused on the growth and spirit of the Ba Rugby Union. “This is a big opportunity. Coming out from local competitions and being part of the Fijian Warriors team means a lot. It shows that hard work at the provincial level is being recognized,” Lotawa shared.
His experience with the Warriors has been transformative, citing the excellent coaching staff and the exposure to high-level training as pivotal for his development. For Lotawa, rugby in Fiji is deeply ingrained in culture, and he appreciates the unwavering support from the fans and community. “We truly have the best rugby fans in the world,” he expressed, reflecting on the communal spirit that surrounds the sport.
Born in Seattle, Washington, Lotawa’s journey into rugby began at Saint Mary’s College of California, where he played Division 1A rugby from 2018 to 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic brought him back to Fiji, where he continued to pursue his passion. In his professional pursuits, he spent time with the Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby and returned to local competitions, where he has been honing his skills.
Now, aiming to represent Fiji at the highest level, Lotawa confidently stated, “My goal is to make it to the Fijian Drua and then the Flying Fijians.” This ambition reflects a broader hope within the Fijian rugby community, echoing the aspirations of many young players, such as Isoa Tuwai, recently recognized for his promising potential with the Drua, and Rafaele Waqalala, who is set on making his mark within the Fijian Drua Academy.
Lotawa’s journey is one of resilience and passion, serving as a reminder that dreams, no matter how high they might seem, are indeed attainable with dedication and hard work. As he looks towards his future, Lotawa stands as an inspiring figure for young athletes across Fiji, emphasizing the importance of community support and the relentless pursuit of one’s ambitions.