As midnight approached at the Navala Bridge in the highlands of Ba, a remarkable scene unfolded involving Farasiko Tubunanuku, a New Zealand Fijian Cavaliers 7s player. He bravely waded through floodwaters to participate in the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s. Although Tubunanuku was raised in Navala and hails from Namoli in Navosa, he faced considerable challenges posed by the strong currents and rising waters during this pivotal journey.
The extreme weather conditions became an obstacle for Tubunanuku after he finalized arrangements with his coach, Pio Tuwai, a former Fiji 7s forward. Once he received the call to join the team, he realized he could only make it if someone could pick him up from home due to the flooding. “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.
With arrangements confirmed, Tubunanuku prepared for a challenging night. After having dinner, he set his alarm to wake up just before he was due to depart. A video of his daring crossing soon went viral on social media. Reflecting on the experience, he noted that faith and determination were crucial during this ordeal.
“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,” Tubunanuku expressed. He conveyed deep gratitude for the opportunity to join in on the Coral Coast 7s, thanking both his coach and divine guidance for the chance to play. “Our plans may be different, but the Lord’s plan is always the definite one,” he added.
Tubunanuku’s effort truly paid off in his side’s first pool match against the SRS Henibua team, where he made an impact by scoring a try. His journey, marked by both physical and metaphorical bridges, serves as a testament to hope and resilience, inspiring those who face their own challenges in pursuit of their dreams.