OSEA NAVUSO – FIRST TEAM SENIOR RUGBY, A LEVELS AND THE FUTURE!
We were recently contacted by Mr. Moore, joint Lead Teacher of PE at Richmond School and Sixth Form College. He emailed to say that he had travelled to Durham City RFC to watch the County Cup Final between Darlington RFC First XV and Darlington Mowden Park Elizabethans. He was there to watch a high quality local derby, but also to see how Year 13 student at Richmond Sixth Form College, Osea Navuso, performed for Darlington RFC in only his second game at senior level. Mr. Moore noted that Osea played for the whole 80 minutes at outside centre and that you would not have known he lacked experience at this level. Impressive, he said. He also added that Osea was, “the most outstanding young person and role model to the younger students – especially our younger Fijian contingent! He has volunteered to come along to numerous rugby fixtures for younger students this year and has been a brilliant addition every single time.”
We caught up with Osea to find out more about his rugby, the recent Cup Final, the wider role he plays in school and his plans for the future.
RS: Tell us about this recent game, Osea – only you second at senior level – was the first the semi final?!
O: I’ve been playing for the Darlington RFC Colts for two years, but recently turned 18 so I was eligible for the senior teams.
I wasn’t expecting to make the 1st XV, but a week before the semi final I was told I was on the team. The semi was against Gateshead RFC – the other players kept telling me that it was a big game, that it really mattered that we got into the final – no pressure for my first game!
The final was obviously a big local derby. There were clearly some strong rivalries on the pitch – it was a physical game! That’s a big difference between the Colts and the seniors – you can really feel, and even hear the big contacts. I found it quite intimidating to start with, but I’m getting used to it. I can give as good as I get!
The game started really evenly matched – pretty knife edge and tense. Once we were ahead, though, I think we relaxed a bit and got into our stride – it was 40-20 in the end. It was a great game to be a part of – the intensity of the local rivalry both on and off the pitch and the feeling of being in this strong, skilful team.
RS: When did you first start playing, Osea, and what sort of journey has your rugby taken?
O: I started in primary school playing league at Catterick Crusaders. After a bit there, Grant Hopkins, coach at Darlington asked if I wanted to give union a go at Darlington – I loved it and haven’t looked back since! When I was in Year 9, Grant put me forward for the Durham DPP trials. We went through a series of fitness and skills tests and I was selected, along with a number of other players from Darlington and Richmond. After a while on the Durham DPP I was scouted for the Newcastle Falcons Academy. I spent three years travelling up there, training and playing – thanks to the Richmond School Trustees for supporting me with transport costs. Thanks also to my parents and my sister. They’ve been so brilliant all this time and there’s still no better feeling than seeing them after a game. Anyway, the goal at the end of the Academy – just a few weeks ago – was to get a professional contract.
RS: What happened?
O: Five players were offered contracts. Not me. We all knew that most of us wouldn’t make it – I’m just so pleased for the players that did. It was such a brilliant group of lads – playing together for so long. Now it’s an opportunity for me to push forward and get better – take another route.
RS: That’s a great way of looking at what must have been a difficult time. And to hear one of the first comments you make is to congratulate the players who were successful – brilliant!
What about your involvement in rugby at school? Mr Moore says good things!
O: Well, I just remember what it was like when I was in Year 7 and 8. Rugby was quite strong in the school, but took a bit of a dip in Year 9. I try to get down to the practices and the games and help out with a bit of coaching and support and encouragement. School has supported me with my rugby – it’s good to give a bit back. Now rugby is so popular! There are more rugby balls around at break and lunchtime than footballs!
RS: Partly thanks to your influence, I’m sure! What about the future? You’re just about to start your A level exams – where are you headed next?
O: Hopefully Newcastle Uni to study Geography. I’ve got a conditional offer, reduced because of my rugby. They’ve got a brilliant rugby set up with over 400 students actively playing. The top teams are very high standard – the university route is another way into professional rugby.
RS: Interesting you talk about the rugby first – what about the Geography?
O: Fair point! My focus is still to try to become a professional player. But I’m also very aware that I need to get my qualifications – a sporting career is a short one. The Newcastle coach I spoke to at the Open Day emphasised that it was studies first, rugby second. My mum and dad emphasise this too!
RS: They’re right! You certainly seem to understand it too, though – all the best with those A levels! What about further on in the future – where do you see yourself?
O: Hopefully playing rugby professionally! But also I try to look out for opportunities – I love the idea of travelling and I try to stay connected to my Fijian roots – to stay aware of the country and the people. They’ve really struggled after the pandemic and I wonder whether I could use my Geography qualification in the future to help out in some way? That’s a long way in the future, but it gives me a possible direction.
Thanks to Osea for taking the time to give us an insight into his rugby and his plans for the future. We wish him all the very best with his A levels and look forward to seeing him again at results day in August and beyond that, hopefully from Newcastle University and their top flight rugby (and Geography!) cohort.