Rugby
Meet the Fijian teen chasing his rugby sevens dreams in New Zealand
Episode Two of On The Rise provides an insight into the life of Red Bull Ignite7 MVP Jona Mataiciwa.
3 min
On The Rise: Jona Mataiciwa
Get to know 2x Red Bull Ignite7 MVP Jona Mataiciwa.
"I was 10 when I came from Fiji to New Zealand. I didn't know how to speak English properly" Jona Mataiciwa tells the camera.
Jona Mataiciwa.
© Scott Sinton
Jona Mataciwa.
© Scott Sinton
Jona Mataciwa.
© Scott Sinton
Jona Mataciwa trains with his father.
© Scott Sinton
The Whanganui resident began playing competitive rugby soon after his family's move from Fiji, aged only 10. He helped lead his St. Kenitgren's team to the 1A final last year, with the side narrowly missing out on the spoils 22-29.
Jona Mataciwa shows off his MVP spoils at Red Bull Ignite7 2019.
© Scott Sinton
Jona Mataciwa.
© Scott Sinton
Jona Mataciwa.
© Scott Sinton
Jona Mataciwa (far left) poses with members of Team Power.
© Scott Sinton
Late last year, Mataciwa partook in his first 2019 Red Bull Ignite7 tournament and was surprised to be named as one of only six MVPs at the tournament, earning him a trial for a spot in the New Zealand Sevens Development Squad.