Chip off the old block

A TALENTED rugby player in the making, Filimoni Seru Jr is trying out other sports in a bid to maintain his shape for the new season.

His ambition is to pursue a career in rugby and follow the footsteps of his father and namesake who once donned the national rugby 15s jumper.

And despite getting into the bounce for the Fiji under-19 men's basketball team for the FIBA Oceania Youth Basketball Championship, Seru Jr has not lost focus on being a professional rugby player.

He finds no difficulties in adapting to the rules and requirements of basketball because his uncles were great basketball players. He was also raised in Raiwaqa where basketball is one of the few sports the urban surburb is renowned for.

Seru Jr is among young players who share common vision of representing Fiji in rugby.

And the 19-year-old from Ovalau had a reason to smile after he was selected. for the FIBA sanctioned Youth Championship in Australia.

"I am happy and honoured to be named in this basketball team. It came as a surprise to me especially when I am a rugby player. I was not really concentrating on basketball," Seru Jr said.

"But I am thankful for this opportunity to prove myself and I am looking forward to give my best shot for the country in Australia.

"This is the first time for me to play in any Oceania tournament. Naturally I am little nervous but I believe I need to be mentally prepared for this. I am physically fit, all I need is to be mentally ready for the tournament," he said.

The Nauouo Villager plays basketball and netball besides rugby. He featured for Lomaiviti men's netball team in the Suva competition.

"I think I have been playing a lot of rugby which is a contact sport since I was young so I thought to give basketball a try. I first played basketball in 2004 but I was not very serious about it.

"I am playing basketball only in the off-season because it helps me keep my fitness and also there is a lot of running. A lot of stamina, endurance and fitness is needed in this sport. Overall it helps me to be become a better rugby player."

Seru played an instrumental role for the Suva Grammar School in their Deans rugby quest in 2010 where his side lost to Ratu Navula College 20-6 in the semi-final.

He thanked his parents for their continuous support that enabled him to excel in sports