As midnight approached at the Navala Bridge in the highlands of Ba, a remarkable scene unfolded as New Zealand Fijian Cavaliers 7s player Farasiko Tubunanuku courageously waded through floodwaters to reach the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s. Despite being raised in Navala and originally hailing from Namoli in Navosa, Tubunanuku faced strong currents and rising waters as he embarked on this pivotal journey.
The extreme weather was an obstacle that Tubunanuku had to navigate after finalizing arrangements with his coach, former Fiji 7s forward Pio Tuwai. When Tubunanuku received the call to join the team, he expressed that he could only make it if picked up from home. However, with the bridge flooded, he had to confront the challenge head-on. “I spoke with Pio over the phone and told him the bridge was flooded. I then asked if he could pick me up between 11:30 PM and midnight,” he recalled.
Once the arrangements were confirmed, he prepared for a long night ahead. After having dinner, he set an alarm to wake up just before his planned departure. A video of Tubunanuku’s daring crossing has since gone viral on social media, and reflecting on the experience, he shared that faith and determination were his guiding forces.
“I did not feel scared or worried because I believed the Lord was always laying the plans from the moment I received that phone call,” he stated with assurance. Tubunanuku expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Coral Coast 7s, thanking both his coach and divine guidance for this chance. “Our plans may be different, but the Lord’s plan is always the definite one.”
In an enthusiastic display of teamwork, Tubunanuku made an impact in his side’s first pool match against the SRS Henibua team by scoring a try, validating the plans set forth after that iconic midnight crossing. As he navigated both physical and metaphorical bridges in pursuit of his dreams, Tubunanuku’s journey inspires hope and resilience.