From Farm to Rugby Field: Nasova’s Journey Culminates in Pacific Nations Cup Final Start

In a selection that reads like a sporting fairytale, Joji Nasova, the soft-spoken winger from Toge, Ba, has been named in the starting fifteen for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians in their Pacific Nations Cup final showdown against Japan this Sunday.

This remarkable ascent to the highest stage of international rugby began just last week in Denver. Thrust into the semi-final against Canada in the second minute after an injury to an experienced centre, Nasova didn’t just fill a gap—he announced himself. Displaying the blistering pace and evasive skills forged on the HSBC World Sevens Series with the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team, he was a constant threat on the wing, captivating fans and, most importantly, impressing head coach Mick Byrne.

“He came off the line very well bringing the ball back into the field away from the sideline,” Byrne shared in an interview after the team announcement. “He did very well and I’m impressed with him.”

That performance has now earned the 24-year-old a run-on start against the formidable Brave Blossoms at America First Field, a world away from the humble beginnings that defined his journey.

Nasova’s path to donning the white jersey is a story of hard-work, sacrifice and self-belief . After losing his mother, he put his rugby dreams on hold to take up farming in Ba, believing it was his duty to assist his family. His talent, however, was too bright to remain hidden. At the urging of peers, he returned to the local Toge rugby competition, rediscovering his love for the sport he first played as a child at Naloto District School and later at Nukuloa College in Ba.

“When I started playing Rugby I liked it and believed that this is where I belong,” Nasova recalled. “I knew if I worked hard enough I will make it someday and even wear the white Fiji Jersey.”

That hard work involved immense sacrifice. A chance trip to Suva in 2019 led to a trial for the Naitasiri Under-19 team, reigniting his competitive fire. After a heartbreaking loss in the Skipper Cup final Nadroga, his journey took him through local sevens tournaments, a professional stint in China with Huagan Rugby, and ultimately, to the pinnacle of sevens rugby: an Olympic silver medal in 2024 with the national team.

“I didn’t back down or feel intimidated as I knew this is what I’ve been working hard for,” Nasova said of his sevens call-up. “What continues to motivate me is the challenges that I faced along the way – losing my mum, struggles of staying away from home, to even having no bus fare to make it to training – I’m grateful.”

Despite recently signing his first professional fifteens contract for the 2026 season, Nasova’s rapid integration into the Flying Fijians’ setup has been a surprise. Coach Byrne saw his potential and called him into the Pacific Nations Cup squad, a decision that has paid immediate dividends.

Now, the Ba lad who once traded a rugby ball for farming tools will line up against one of the world’s most disciplined teams, ready to write the next chapter in his incredible story. For fans in Fiji, the match will be broadcast LIVE on FIJI One this Sunday at 1.35pm, offering a chance to witness a national dream realized on an international stage.