For many young men, the excitement of rugby can be incredibly enticing, presenting a swift route to recognition and opportunities, and for some, a way to escape challenging circumstances. Adriu Nabose, a young man from Macuata with maternal ties to Cakaudrove, discovered that while rugby opened doors for him, it was education that ultimately provided direction in his life.
Mr. Nabose grew up in a village before relocating to Suva to pursue secondary education. He enrolled at Nasinu Muslim College, where he attended classes from Year 9 to Year 11. However, his journey in academics took a backseat as his commitment to rugby began to intensify. “I started pursuing rugby and things were going really well,” he recalled, acknowledging the successes he experienced early on.
Despite the rewards of sport, it was the encouragement from his parents that pushed him to reconsider his choices and return to school. Their advice proved crucial, leading Mr. Nabose to enroll in the Nabua Matua Programme two years ago. This alternative education initiative supports school dropouts and working students who seek a second chance.
Transitioning back into school was challenging at first. “I came here in 2024, and it was difficult studying with people who were more mature than me, and communication was tough initially,” Mr. Nabose explained. However, he gradually adapted to the academic demands, acknowledging the experience as both difficult and beautiful.
His persistence bore fruit as he successfully completed Year 12 and Year 13 with commendable results, attributing his achievements to his dedication and the support he received. His story resonates with that of many young men striving to manage sports and education, often at the risk of prioritizing one over the other.
Adriu Nabose understands the pitfalls of dedicating oneself solely to rugby, having faced injuries during his youth while competing against older players. This realization made him reconsider his long-term future. “I realized that if I get injured now, my rugby career could be over. So I had to think outside the box. I needed a back-up,” he reflected.
Now, that safety net is firmly established. Mr. Nabose has received a university offer and plans to embark on tertiary studies in architecture, specializing in architectural drafting. He expressed enthusiasm about this path, stating, “Drawing is one of my strengths. I enjoy art, and architecture fits well with that.” With strong family support, he is keen to pursue this career while possibly continuing to play rugby.
He is determined to balance both academics and sports, taking advantage of his days off from classes to train. For other young men hesitant about returning to school, especially those considering the Matua Programme yet struggling with self-doubt, Mr. Nabose has an encouraging message. “It takes courage to come back and study. Matua gives you a second chance.” He emphasized the value of the short three-hour classes, urging anyone willing to commit to their education to join the program.
Although his path was initially uncertain, Mr. Nabose now places his education at the forefront of his future plans, intent on crafting a life that goes far beyond the rugby field. With focus and commitment, he is well on his way to building a hopeful future that integrates both his passions for study and sport.