Saukuru’s back to give edge

Saukuru has been named as one of the 24 players who will face Sri Lanka in Colombo this Saturday for the Asian Rugby Championship playoff. - Pic: Malaysia Rugby

PETALING JAYA: Naturalised rugby player Etonnia Vaqa Saukuru is drawing strength from his father’s wishes as he gears up for a must-win Asian Championship playoff match against Sri Lanka tomorrow in Colombo.

The 36-year-old’s absence from the national squad over the past two years was finally explained after he revealed that he had to return to his homeland, Fiji, to care for his father, Maikali Saukuru, who had suffered a stroke.

It was a difficult period for Saukuru, who could only follow the national team’s progress from afar as Malaysia struggled in the last two editions of the Premier Division, finishing at the bottom of the standings.

Determined to make a difference, Saukuru sought his father’s blessing to return to national duty. With Malaysia’s status hanging in the balance, the veteran forward is eager to play his part in helping the team avoid relegation to Division One.

Saukuru is one of three naturalised players reinforcing the national squad for this edition, alongside fellow Fijian Samuela Tamanisau and Ryan James Long from theUnited Kingdom.

The trio are part of the 24-man squad selected by head coach Saizul Hafifi Md Noor for the clash against Sri Lanka.

“It motivates me because I’ve never played for two years now since 2022, so we’ve lost two years in a row now.

“That’s why I want to come this year. I want to help the boys stay in the top division,” said Saukuru.

“I was also committed, especially for the rugby league, and I was stuck back at home caring for my dad. He however has given me his blessing to spend two weeks playing with the Malaysian team and help them for this tournament.”

Interestingly, seven years ago in Ipoh, during a crucial match to determine promotion to the Premier Division, Saukuru was one of the key players who helped The Hibiscus become Division One champions by winning all their games against the Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka.

“I still remember that tournament. We defeated Sri Lanka in our final match and made history by securing promotion to the Premier Division.

“Sri Lanka will have strong support at home, especially since their league season has just concluded. We haven’t played many games, so we’ll need to stay united and work together to win,” he added.