Q & A with Filimoni Savou

As our Vodafone Fiji under 20 Team prepares to leave for the Junior World Trophy in Portugal next month – we get Up Close & Personal with England-based Filimoni Savou. Savou will join the team in Portugal from the Saracens Academy in London.

Filimoni Savou

1)        Tell us about your rugby scholarship in England and how you have progressed?

Obviously came here when I was 13. Culture, weather, food etc was different. I had to try and adapt as fast as I could, I struggled a bit for the first year, but have eventually gotten over it now. My scholarship was set up by Charlie Charters and Pio Bosco Tikoisuva, my headmaster from the last school (in England) Mr Jon Glen said that he wanted a Fijian student to come over, not just for rugby, but to also further his education. I have made very good progress in my rugby career since the first arriving here.

2)        What are your rugby aspirations? And how are you tracking to reach them?

For me personally, it’s putting God first in everything that I do, and also family. It’s the motivation of my family and seeing what they have done for me for the past 13 years that I lived in Fiji for, and their support throughout thick and thin that drives me. Just the thought of that, really drives me to do my best.

3)        What inspires you and how have you coped with being away from home and the safety of your family?

Being away from your family is probably the hardest thing ever. Returning home is always a blessing, living Fiji is just horrible. Knowing that your family is going to be on the other side of the world. So I guess everything is for them and the people that have helped me out in my rugby career, since Veiuto U9s to Suva U13s, it’s that thought and fear that you don’t want to let them down, for all their hard work and support they’ve done for you that inspires me.

4)        Tell us a bit about life in the Saracens Academy? Your program etc?

Life at Saracens is brilliant! This club is like my second family. Everyone is nice, and what amazes me is how we drive one another to be the best we can be. Being in the academy is indeed a blessing, seeing people like Owen Farrell, Brad Barritt, Marcelo Bosch on television playing and representing their countries and actually training with them, is something that I wouldn’t want to miss out on. My program at the moment is obviously trying to get stronger and fitter for Portugal and for pre season after that. I pretty much hit the gym every day, and after every training sessions I do extra running top ups. It’s brutal and not nice, but it gets you in a good shape. The academy won our league this year, also our A league team, and scooped the LVE Cup title from Exeter Chiefs a few weeks back. The club’s main focus now is the European League and the Premiership Cup.

5)        You mentioned your dream to playing for England either in 7s or 15s – how will your selection into Fiji’s Under 20 Team leverage this dream?

Yeah that was what I wanted, but nothing comes easy in this world, unless you plant your feet down and sacrifice your time etc. For me playing in this 20s JWT is something that I’m so looking forward to, playing with the chosen others (brothers as I’d say) to represent Fiji. I can’t wait to go out there and just have fun. Play for my country, my family and friends and for the Lord to. I guess I’ll have to keep on training hard and doing what I’m doing and hope for the best. In the future I’d definitely want to play for England. But for now Fiji 20s is what it’s all about!

6)        The team is now in camp in Fiji, how are you preparing yourself that side?

I’ve been training for the past 2 months just for this, and the whole 3 weeks break I’ve had for Easter. And like I said, sacrifices are what I’m doing now. Wasn’t work hard enough before, but have been making it all up and gaining yards now for the built up to Portugal.

7)        How are you preparing mentally to fit in with the rest of the team when you join them in Portugal?

I know that I’ll fit in well with the boys when in camp. I know the boys that’ll be picked will know how each other works etc, but I think I’ll be alright.

8)        Would you consider representing Fiji in either 7s or the Flying Fijians?

Nothing is finalized yet. But yeah I seriously wouldn’t mind saying yes to Fiji for 15s or 7s. But representing my country at a high level of rugby would be a just a bonus for me.

9)        At 18 years old and with a whole lot more in store for you – what is your advice to other junior players in Fiji?

First things first, put God first in everything that you do, you win or lose, you pass or fail, up’s or down, just maintain an attitude of thankfulness. Never give up on your dream, fight it until it’s there in front of you, but when it’s there, keep on working hard. Just enjoy your time, whether it is sports, education etc. Have fun with it. And trust me; your best achievement will be what you cherish with you for the rest of your life.

10)      Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I want to thank my family and my dad for always driving me to the max with training etc, also my mum and my little brother for their outstanding non-stop support for me. And probably the one woman that drives me with the spiritual part of life, is my Nau, she was there since day one and I’d like to thank her so very much, if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t know what the spiritual part is all about. I also acknowledge my namesake for all he has done for me and the family.

Let me also thank everyone that has helped me throughout my rugby career. From my coaches from Veiuto, Mr Manasa and Mr Owen and Suva/Fiji U12s Mr Lasarusa. And not forgetting my coach at Shiplake College Mr Sam Beckett, and last but not least all my Saracens coaches, Don Barrell, Ian Vass, Rory Teague, Sean Vine and Dan Nisbet.

Vinaka.