Rupeni Caucaunibuca: Oceans Apart #1

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Support Rupeni's dream to start a sustainable business in his village:
bit.ly/2Wnzztt
Presented by: Dan Leo
Produced by: Callum Drummond - / callumdrummond
One of rugby’s most entertaining players, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, was raised in one of the world's most remote and isolated villages in Fiji. With no education, and no support mechanisms to help Pacific Islanders, Rupeni was ill-equipped to deal with his meteoric rise to stardom. Now retired, Rupeni currently lives in his village with little means of income.
After inspiring and entertaining so many of us through his career, We invite the Rugby Family to help us give Rupeni a 2nd chance, to turn his life around, and to give his story the positive ending that it truly deserves.
Pacific Rugby Players Welfare (www.pacificrugbywelfare.com) is a not-for-profit organisation that works with over 400 Pacific Island rugby players worldwide, providing them the support, advice & skills they need to thrive, both during and after their rugby careers.
To help him realise his dream of starting a village business that will support him and his family, PRPW and Rupeni will be working with The Earth Care Agency, a local Fijian company who specialise in setting up organic, sustainable community businesses.

Пікірлер: 489

  • @vkirisome4701
    @vkirisome47015 жыл бұрын

    I’m 55 years young and I have watched and seen many wingers in my time and I don’t think we will ever see another Rupeni, speed, power, balance, acceleration.

  • @slau330

    @slau330

    3 жыл бұрын

    every winger has speed, power and acceleration but they're all missing Rupeni's balance which set him apart from any player i have ever seen.

  • @rugbywhisperer-coachkane3038

    @rugbywhisperer-coachkane3038

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah mate its that combo... Run around you, over you, step you, chip and gather, and he also was unselfish and passed the ball too. He was rugby's Ronaldinho... Talented yet at heart not committed

  • @owenchapman971

    @owenchapman971

    2 жыл бұрын

    You’re right!

  • @teariki-manaareaiiti587

    @teariki-manaareaiiti587

    2 жыл бұрын

    Strongly agreed

  • @pathfinder5651

    @pathfinder5651

    Жыл бұрын

    Will never see this type of talent again

  • @Rick-jh7di
    @Rick-jh7di2 жыл бұрын

    This man only played 10+ games for Blues and became the greatest Blues player ever.😂😂

  • @nivalatu2322
    @nivalatu23225 жыл бұрын

    My coach back in high school was Todd Miller (Chiefs fullback and All Black) I asked at trainning one time who was the hardest to defend. He said "Jonah had all the power and had speed but Rupeni was a freak on foot". He said what you see on tv is different from when hes in front of you. always enjoyed this guy running out for the blues.

  • @zaaooo3182
    @zaaooo31825 жыл бұрын

    it all makes sense now this poor bugger felt isolated in a foreign country going from zero to 100 must have been overwhelming for him. good luck mate for the future.

  • @sox7784

    @sox7784

    Жыл бұрын

    👍👍👍

  • @westsideAUKILANI
    @westsideAUKILANI5 жыл бұрын

    I remember as a teen, when Rupeni was ripping up for the blues, I went with my mate and his dad to Massey clubrooms for function for the club. Later that night there was Rupeni with my mates dad blazing up smoking weed getting onnit. Lol. I couldn't believe it. Wish he could've played for the ABz in that 2003 world cup. Could've had a good rugby environment around him. Absolutely deadly with ball in space. All the best uso✊🏾

  • @jojiwaqa2961

    @jojiwaqa2961

    5 жыл бұрын

    U are a snitch .... snitches get stitches. . friends like you who needs enemy

  • @westsideAUKILANI

    @westsideAUKILANI

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@jojiwaqa2961 bitches like you need to wake up from the fantasy land you live in. Everyone knew he got down like that. UFA!!!

  • @kumulsfan8090

    @kumulsfan8090

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@jojiwaqa2961 stfu, I smoked a joint with rups in Suva, everybody knows clown

  • @Toadycraft
    @Toadycraft3 жыл бұрын

    I've to admit that a little tears appeared when he's explaining how broke he is. I grew up with this legend every weekend and it really hurt seeing him in that situation. I mean the fact that no one ever really made him understood what will happen after rugby is mindblowing... Those pacifid players are so humble

  • @MrAhuapai

    @MrAhuapai

    Жыл бұрын

    The reality is that Rupeni is back in Fiji on the income of the majority of villagers in Fiji. Its a poor country

  • @tiaratu

    @tiaratu

    9 ай бұрын

    ​@@MrAhuapaiI wouldn't call it a poor country. We can still survive even if we have no money.

  • @jnavsslick3764

    @jnavsslick3764

    2 ай бұрын

    In my eyes they are the richest countries around.. Because Fijians can still rely on Nature with food. ​@@MrAhuapai

  • @bronzemen34
    @bronzemen345 жыл бұрын

    Saw Caucau play against QLD Reds - when Wendell Sailor Debuted his first game for the REDS...………..He marked Rupeni - We all thought Caucau would get smothered and eaten alive - until he got the BALL...…...….He burned Wendell on his first touch and scored a runaway 90m try - then he did it again on his second touch - a 90m try - WOW - he made Wendell look STUPID out there and his Blistering Pace was unbelievable :) Fastest Winger Id ever watched up to that point :) Amazing Speed...…….He should've done Athletics too :) he would smashed a few records :) you could see WENDELL thinking what the HELL am I doing lol......

  • @rugbywhisperer-coachkane3038

    @rugbywhisperer-coachkane3038

    3 жыл бұрын

    Caucaunibuca was incredible

  • @edvardthomson7264

    @edvardthomson7264

    2 жыл бұрын

    I remember that but you also forgot to mention wendell manhandled him also. Wendell got caught out of position a few times but ball in hand steamrolled the pretty pathetic attempts at tackling from cacau

  • @bronzemen34

    @bronzemen34

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@edvardthomson7264 we must’ve been watching a different game…..Wendalls first game for the Reds was at Carrara Stadium….I was in the stands behind the Auckland Blues squad…..I didn’t see Wendell manhandle Caucau???……….not even close….CauCau was miles ahead in speed….he made Wendell look silly - but Wendall still had a fine game but he didn’t do anything spectacular…..Reds also got thumped that day as well…….

  • @AhTu1306

    @AhTu1306

    2 жыл бұрын

    He was a 100m sprinter when he was a teenager.

  • @kumulsfan8090

    @kumulsfan8090

    Жыл бұрын

    @@edvardthomson7264 Lies 😂😂

  • @Judah28
    @Judah285 жыл бұрын

    That was an emotional story from Rupeni. I missed his rugby days. He’s the type of player who you love to watch every time he plays. Everyone makes mistake Rupeni and no one is perfect. You story will be a good learning lesson to the young Pacific rugby players. Nothing is too late. You can still make a change a be successful. Wishing you luck for whatever you’re doing now. By the way, your English is good.

  • @johntewhauwhau1313
    @johntewhauwhau13134 жыл бұрын

    I have seen so many great wingers over my life time, in New Zealand. But this guy was always my favorite, after watching him play for the blues, some of his tries I believe no one else would have score them, they were incredible tries, by an incredible player.

  • @skinyblak7027
    @skinyblak70275 жыл бұрын

    I swear this guy use to make all his opponents nervous as f*** whenever he got the ball. He lit up the rugby field everytime he played🔥🔥. Absolute legend👐. Stay blessed rups.

  • @robbstark759
    @robbstark7595 жыл бұрын

    If his young lad turns out better than his dad as he suggests, then we have a truly special player on its way

  • @caiotefu9856

    @caiotefu9856

    5 жыл бұрын

    Robb Stark ... YEAH, BUT WHO WILL HE PLAY FOR?!?!?

  • @robbstark759

    @robbstark759

    5 жыл бұрын

    Caiote Fu Fiji lad, the way they’re going they are gunna be a force! Could see them getting to the semi finals this year

  • @caiotefu9856

    @caiotefu9856

    5 жыл бұрын

    Robb Stark Possibly... I just hope they dont come up against the DRAGONS, Wales! Grand Slam Champions mate! =) .

  • @robbstark759

    @robbstark759

    5 жыл бұрын

    Caiote Fu mate they’re a force! Solid set piece these days and there back line is unreal! A centre pairing of Botia and radradra with tuivosa on the wing is lethal!!

  • @caiotefu9856

    @caiotefu9856

    5 жыл бұрын

    Robb Stark I bet mate... im just super happy its the bloody World Cup in a few weeks! Cant wait, good luck to all the Pacific Islanders, im sure they will do very well, as usual! Being a Welshman its always scary playing these teams when its not a friendly :( lol .

  • @davidunoi7099
    @davidunoi70995 жыл бұрын

    The greatest specialist winger the world has ever seen. Pure speed. He will either run around you, step through you, or run over you if he so chooses.

  • @rugbywhisperer-coachkane3038

    @rugbywhisperer-coachkane3038

    3 жыл бұрын

    Also the grubber

  • @isthatthebestyougot4845

    @isthatthebestyougot4845

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's exactly right bro there's nobody that's even close to him. Very very natural player.

  • @DineshC
    @DineshC5 жыл бұрын

    When Legends Speaks They Speak From There Heart ............. We Respect To That

  • @shanecook3102
    @shanecook31024 жыл бұрын

    Still can't forget his try for northland vs Auckland in 2001. He blitzed Doug howlett to the tryline to score & then James arlidge kicked the conversion to win the game.

  • @RRSmurf
    @RRSmurf5 жыл бұрын

    F'ing sad tbh. I grew up thinking a man must take care of himself, but I've come to realise we need people to help us. While I don't 'blame' anyone here, and seems like Rupeni takes the responsibility, I think we need to do better when throwing people into the deep end... Absolutely incredible player. Hope he can get involved with educating the youngsters of the pitfalls of professional sport.

  • @phemstros
    @phemstros2 ай бұрын

    I would watch Rupeni Caucau over and over on the RWC 2003 dvd in my basement. I was 13 and him playing transfixed me like no other player has before or since, except o'driscoll at times

  • @rage9278
    @rage92785 жыл бұрын

    Peni lives just a few blocks away from where my father is from, we used to meet him whenever we went back home. A very kind and humble fella this bloke. He catches and sells sea cucumber now.

  • @Kmataora
    @Kmataora5 жыл бұрын

    Imagine if he had a support person (mentor) someone that looked after him....... Just think what kind rugby records he would of broke. Glad I got to witness him glide through defenders with ease.!!!!!

  • @Howsyafatherrrrr
    @Howsyafatherrrrr5 жыл бұрын

    I used to be a doorman in Town back in the late '90s, and when working my shift on Hobson street NZ, Rupeni, Joe rokocoko and a few other Fijian players rocked up tipsy. Rupeni was very respectful but I was shocked to see him smoking cigarettes lol. Today we have welfare services for our upcoming rugby players and it's sad to hear Rupenis life journey without this modern support. My curiosity is how many more players like Rupeni felt isolated due to language barriers leading to bad decision making. I hope all potential players coming up through the ranks watch and learn from this living legend and that education and good friends/family support etc is enhanced in their lives! GB you Rupeni you surely educated us with your playing style and just glad you're with family now who love you regardless where you have humbled yourself to share your heart with the world.

  • @alberthewson9121

    @alberthewson9121

    4 жыл бұрын

    Rupeni loved to smoke😄 I don't know if he still smokes but he looks well. He normally turns up in his hometown with torn jeans and tshirts with a bucket hat that has the Auckland blues logo. No one really notices him, a real villager😁 and a really humble guy.

  • @demjuscrazy

    @demjuscrazy

    4 жыл бұрын

    while in france he was known to puff on the wacky backy

  • @Howsyafatherrrrr

    @Howsyafatherrrrr

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@demjuscrazy Lol So thats what they call it out those ways huh? lol

  • @seanrota3359
    @seanrota33595 жыл бұрын

    I had the pleasure of watching Rupeni many times, an extraordinary player who possessed sublime skill and speed definitely one of Fiji's greatest players ever to represent them. Respect to Dan Leo for reminding the rugby world what enjoyment Rupeni brought, a boy from the village to rugby star and then back to the village. Hopefully, Rupeni can continue to contribute to the next village star.

  • @YallNotWhite_YourPINK
    @YallNotWhite_YourPINK11 ай бұрын

    As a nz kid in the 90s him and lomu were like gods amongst the youth in polynesian communities in nz where im from

  • @MrXxSimonexX
    @MrXxSimonexX4 жыл бұрын

    When i was child i see him in Agen, that was my favorite players with pepito elorga, all my chillhood i would like to be like rupps ! One of the biggest rugby winger for me

  • @31titan70
    @31titan704 жыл бұрын

    I hope your kids continue on your rugby legacy i was a big fan of you Caucau when you was on the come up and to see. This make me cry didnt know you going thru all struggles behind the cameras much alofa from 🇼🇸

  • @donnybrascocoliogne819
    @donnybrascocoliogne8194 жыл бұрын

    One of my favorite Wingers of the super 12 series. Our Polynesian players need to be looked after, taught how to save n spend with life after Rugby. I Love this episode, Thank you Leo (Uso) for making a beautiful series of past LEGENDARY Rugby players, update on their lives and getting the full story straight from the players themselves. Bless you Reubeni, I always loved watching you play back in the 90s & 2000....Fiji Legend. Mothe

  • @mychoiceheta800

    @mychoiceheta800

    4 жыл бұрын

    You truly correct, I thought that he was gonna be an all black. He was the best in my opinion, sad that he couldn't communicate properly with others ❤️ GB

  • @YallNotWhite_YourPINK

    @YallNotWhite_YourPINK

    11 ай бұрын

    ​@@mychoiceheta800Jonah was better

  • @kieransteele5953
    @kieransteele59535 жыл бұрын

    Fascinating. Fans often forget that the players we admire so much are not robots. They're human beings with flaws. Rupeni provided some jaw dropping moments of genius on the field. His message here is a valuable lesson for all budding professionals in rugby or league, not just Pasifika players either.

  • @halasialemohe7607

    @halasialemohe7607

    2 жыл бұрын

    On point mate👍🥇

  • @deeessaye5583
    @deeessaye55835 жыл бұрын

    One of the best wingers ever. .Sad to see his situation after his rugby career. He deserved so much. .All the best uso for the future Rupeni. Alofa aku

  • @dam0ryan
    @dam0ryan5 жыл бұрын

    Without any doubt Caucau was the best winger in the world for Auckland! "The rest of them are dinosaurs"

  • @sashikantkaran1208
    @sashikantkaran12083 жыл бұрын

    I still remember his try against France in the RWC from one end of the field to another...forever etched in my memory 👌👏

  • @whooshkaboomie
    @whooshkaboomie5 жыл бұрын

    If i was a Scout, i'd be putting his son through the best schools now. Sign him up for the future at age 12. Imagine a well educated rugby beast, a young Caucau graduating from one of NZ' best rugby Colleges in a few years !!

  • @kuitibarriball2807

    @kuitibarriball2807

    5 жыл бұрын

    NZ and Aussie schools go poach the islands for talent. Sure this kid will get scooped up soon.

  • @TheAsiaCentury

    @TheAsiaCentury

    4 жыл бұрын

    Na sona

  • @Wayaboy10

    @Wayaboy10

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@TheAsiaCentury 😂😂

  • @hanoitripper1809

    @hanoitripper1809

    3 жыл бұрын

    Send him to the storm ⚡️⚡️

  • @jahoadley1
    @jahoadley15 жыл бұрын

    I came here straight after watching House of Rugby with James Haskell and Dan Leo. Thanks for educating me.

  • @KingKong-xt9fk
    @KingKong-xt9fk5 жыл бұрын

    This Guy made me a Auckland Blues Fan for Life. vinaka Rups

  • @pakauputairi2855

    @pakauputairi2855

    4 жыл бұрын

    Auckland blue was strong but now GEEEEEE they are hard to watch 🙈

  • @Vae07
    @Vae075 жыл бұрын

    Caucau was so good people forget the blues other winger at the time was the rocket man Joe Rokocoko!

  • @maxball222

    @maxball222

    5 жыл бұрын

    With Dougie Howlett at 15 - what a back 3 they were.

  • @giovanni69ify

    @giovanni69ify

    5 жыл бұрын

    lets not forget jonah lomu and joeli vidiri!!! @@maxball222

  • @keezyahomana5379

    @keezyahomana5379

    4 жыл бұрын

    Joe rokocoko I mean he was a beast but was always 2nd to rupeni.. rupeni 11 and Joe at 14.. rupeni gone and den joe was the favorite

  • @softwareofexcellence

    @softwareofexcellence

    4 жыл бұрын

    The Blues of 2003 was uncompromising. They have never been anywhere close since.

  • @keezyahomana5379

    @keezyahomana5379

    4 жыл бұрын

    Dey had the squad.. Spencer tuitupou muliaina Joe rupeni and howlett

  • @davidabbot1990
    @davidabbot19905 жыл бұрын

    Wow I always wondered what happened to this legend. Awesome to hear his story because it all makes sense now. Much love to you Rupeni!

  • @kingzeus36
    @kingzeus369 ай бұрын

    I have been good friends with Caucau for many years he was my neighbor in Northland whangarei we would often have friendly games of touch together he was untouchable man even when he was just playing around for fun he could literally jump on the field after eating KFC and being over weight and STILL kick ass. He was an incredible human. He was EXTREMELY!! fast and very explosive, his ACCELERATION!! was second to none, he had supreme balance on both his right and left legs could step on both, he had an unreal ability to defend himself while running alone the sideline he would use his hips to throw his opponents out, his kick and catch skills were unbelievable he was the most complete athlete in rugby and 7s history.

  • @Roberto_79
    @Roberto_795 жыл бұрын

    The ONLY player I put on the same pedestal as Jonah and handling skills probably half a step higher. The prospect of a Caucau jr. is mesmerising and I’m sure his father will guide him well.

  • @Roberto_79

    @Roberto_79

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@jamesmarshall7513 I take it you're talking about playing them in those positions, And not their relative skill sets at those ages?

  • @ynotegg
    @ynotegg5 жыл бұрын

    I've never seen any other rugby player run with such ease....besides Christian Cullen 🙌🏽

  • @sox7784

    @sox7784

    Жыл бұрын

    He played like we all did when we were kids on the front lawn during lunch times at school having fun running with the ball scoring tries very natural gifted player he made it look like so much fun 👍

  • @louaiga74
    @louaiga745 жыл бұрын

    you are a legend Rupeni! You and the late great Jonah Lomu were the best wingers ever!!

  • @caiotefu9856

    @caiotefu9856

    5 жыл бұрын

    louaiga74 I agree, but you have to put Shane Williams in that argument too! World Rugby needs to sort this shit out, its disgusting! Great short film though, thanks!

  • @louaiga74

    @louaiga74

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@caiotefu9856 Shane Williams was good but he had nothing on Rupeni. head to head,Rupeni wins every day of the week

  • @caiotefu9856

    @caiotefu9856

    5 жыл бұрын

    louaiga74 Gotta disagree mate... Shane was voted the best player in the world!!! Twinkle toes gets my vote. Anyway, good luck in the World Cup, I just hope you dont come up against The grand Slam Champions Wales :D lol . Seriously though, I hope the Pacific Islanders do really well and we meet in the final!

  • @louaiga74

    @louaiga74

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@caiotefu9856 fair call mate. Wales has always been a force and it might just be their time,having come so close in previous tournaments....I wish Wales all the best and would not be disappointed to see them in the final...as long as it's not England hahaha lol

  • @tonystar8224

    @tonystar8224

    4 жыл бұрын

    Caiote Fu don't worry I hope Wales meet the All Blacks which are filled with Pacific Islanders

  • @i_tearespect8190
    @i_tearespect81905 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely loved the way this guy effortlessly glides through with ease in speed and traffic... He been around the world and he’s Village is where his heart is.. Humble man.. True talent rose to the very top in so little time..

  • @nanchu2151
    @nanchu21512 жыл бұрын

    LEGEND FOREVER!! So he decided to play 🏉rugby..lol! What a magnificent guy he was..humble hero..I love the Koro!it stays in your blood if you Fijian..💚💛🧡❤💜SUPER RUGBY HERO! 4EVER!

  • @nashrugby
    @nashrugby Жыл бұрын

    Wow so glad I know his story now, always wondered what happened with this amazing talent. Someone sign his son now!!!!

  • @sacdos47
    @sacdos47 Жыл бұрын

    I living in Agen, i remember rupeni for my entire life, this speed, power and agility are unforgettable, i have a little rugby ball with this signature 😁😁 a great man, a great player, chapeau l'artiste et merci pour tout ce que tu as fait pour Agen, profite bien de la vie que tu as toujours voulu avoir, respect

  • @niuanconquistador422
    @niuanconquistador422 Жыл бұрын

    Growing up in Fiji in the 2000s .....the name Caucau was like all over the tv sets....people looked foward to all his games. Considered to be the best wing to come out of our country.

  • @notapplicable5278
    @notapplicable52785 жыл бұрын

    What a player he was and what a lesson for all young PI players coming up into professional rugby. Well done on the 1st episode Dan and Callum.

  • @TrueFilter

    @TrueFilter

    5 жыл бұрын

    Chris Seuteni a cautionary lesson?

  • @notapplicable5278

    @notapplicable5278

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@TrueFilter most definitely

  • @jackfry
    @jackfry Жыл бұрын

    My favourite player to see with the ball in hand. Never forget watching him when I was kid.

  • @peacepeace01
    @peacepeace015 жыл бұрын

    my favourite player, never cared about how the media portrayed him or anything because he was still the best whenever he played even when he wasnt at his healthiest, he was still smarter than everyone else at playing the game because its easy for him. best highlights to watch for a rugby player and so many highlights missing that i wish i could see! very smart person hope to see his son play one day sounds exciting haha

  • @theuninspiredlife657
    @theuninspiredlife657 Жыл бұрын

    The Bua Bullet. Once in a lifetime legend. This is his honest story...

  • @huepix
    @huepix5 жыл бұрын

    World rugby in general, and NZ rugby specifically, owes a great deal to the pacific islands. I'd love to see a pacifica team in the super rugby competition.

  • @fredrickmonua6593

    @fredrickmonua6593

    2 жыл бұрын

    2 years later 🙌🙌👏👏💯🇹🇴🇫🇯🇼🇸

  • @pacificexile1246

    @pacificexile1246

    2 жыл бұрын

    Up the moana and the drua speed demon🙏

  • @siaf9281

    @siaf9281

    2 жыл бұрын

    Finally a bro

  • @sox7784

    @sox7784

    Жыл бұрын

    👍👍👍

  • @MisterDBP
    @MisterDBP5 жыл бұрын

    There’s never been a more lethal attacking player

  • @anthonysefo8615
    @anthonysefo86155 жыл бұрын

    My all time favorite player, I use to watch him everyday and study how he ran

  • @abrabosea3917
    @abrabosea39175 жыл бұрын

    No offence to other wingers. Rupeni Caucau is the best winger Fiji Rugby team ever had. One of a kind!! God Bless you Rups. 💪🏉

  • @EmiSolipo

    @EmiSolipo

    4 жыл бұрын

    He was one of the best...my husbands favourite

  • @davidunoi7099

    @davidunoi7099

    3 жыл бұрын

    Correction. Rupeni was and is the best winger IN WORLD RUGBY HISTORY.

  • @Desi365

    @Desi365

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yep. And his potential was never even fully exploited.

  • @RastasNevaDie
    @RastasNevaDie5 жыл бұрын

    Respect ✊🏾u might not have money left but u have ur family and friends back home

  • @kratoslll2871
    @kratoslll28715 жыл бұрын

    Fav winger of all time💯🔥

  • @JasonConlan75
    @JasonConlan755 жыл бұрын

    Thanks to house of rugby for putting me on to this it's a travesty the way Pacific Islanders are treated in world rugby I am subbed and can't wait for the next episode.

  • @makmokotai3944
    @makmokotai39445 жыл бұрын

    One of the best winger in the world of all time. A legend !!!

  • @MagicVato
    @MagicVato5 жыл бұрын

    Fa’afetai lava Dan, Callum and Rupeni. One of the Best P.I wingers to play the game! Hopefully get to see his son follow in his footsteps on the rugby field👌🏽

  • @Juggler4071

    @Juggler4071

    5 жыл бұрын

    Not just one of the best PI wingers to play the game... one of the best players to play the game. The most astoundingly talented guy I've seen on a rugby pitch. Too good for his own good - he never seemed to have to try!

  • @vatoloko4842
    @vatoloko48424 жыл бұрын

    I was in the blues development when Rupeni played for Auckland Blues. They had to get someone from the blues to sleep at his house because he wouldn't rock up to training. He was probably the most talented winger I've seen play the game only second to Lomu. Such a waste of talent and I reckon we haven't see the best of Rupeni.

  • @cathybonnan7125
    @cathybonnan71255 жыл бұрын

    Bula Rups,very happy to have some news from you! J michel from toulouse

  • @jlopez6747
    @jlopez67475 жыл бұрын

    My all time favorite rugby playa 👌 n I'm 🇼🇸

  • @6VITU9
    @6VITU9 Жыл бұрын

    No matter what he is not, he once made all Fijians proud back in the day and many fans also. Wish we could give back to this guy and maybe we control things for him so it can support him and his family.

  • @yorkplates1125
    @yorkplates11252 жыл бұрын

    From the village to an international arena Fiji have ever produced... One of the many professional Rugby wingers. 🔥👐

  • @ianwebb1902
    @ianwebb19024 жыл бұрын

    Incredible... I am a Welshman living in Japan,,, So I know how difficult living in a foreign country - My Mrs is Japanese and so I have had support,, but these stories...Amazing talent and had he and many others had the support, who knows what the Island teams can achieve.

  • @MrWillt100
    @MrWillt100Ай бұрын

    I am grateful you were playing during my lifetime because I was privileged to see an exceptional player, twinkle toes Rupeni.

  • @DC.15
    @DC.154 жыл бұрын

    I remember watching him as a kid in northland. Short stay with us, but a great impact.

  • @sikelilabalaba8024
    @sikelilabalaba80244 жыл бұрын

    The son will never be better than Caucau. Talents like this comes ones in a blue moon. Once you're given the opportunity that's it.

  • @mikehoncho8896
    @mikehoncho88963 жыл бұрын

    Love Jonah, but Rupeni is my favorite player of all time n im Tongan. So much talent, so much potential n to me the greatest winger of all time, a walking try....

  • @jahpairama1938
    @jahpairama19385 жыл бұрын

    Still my favourite winger of all time. Up the mighty Taniwha. Blessings Rupeni

  • @ghosted5604
    @ghosted56045 жыл бұрын

    You're still one of the best SIR 👏

  • @anne-marierudd2656
    @anne-marierudd26565 жыл бұрын

    You were an awesome player Rupeni I only wish you didn't go walk about. Loved watching you play

  • @kikiyiyi5390

    @kikiyiyi5390

    4 жыл бұрын

    Love you annie

  • @ozzbash
    @ozzbash4 жыл бұрын

    Being a rugby player from Fiji is a hard job. Being a Fiji Rugby fan is the Hardest Job in the world. You never know which team is showing up to play. On their day they can beat the best team in the world. And on other days they will loose an unloose-able match. Win- loose or draw we still support our players and team.

  • @sox7784

    @sox7784

    Жыл бұрын

    When Fiji gets the financial support needed from world rugby all the way down to schools and clubs and the national team and stop being a feeder country to New Zealand 🇳🇿 and Australia 🇦🇺 national teams then Fiji 🇫🇯 will be a very strong contender for the RWC as could all of the Pacific island Nations ! If given a level playing field Just hope they never lose their natural game Running, Passing , Scoring and having Fun 🤩 Go Fiji 🇫🇯

  • @playerone6672
    @playerone66722 жыл бұрын

    The blues have had some amazing wingers, rupeni, doug Howlett, joeli vidiri, Joe rockococo,

  • @Desi365
    @Desi3653 жыл бұрын

    In Agen, a player was driving Rups to training. He was given a cellphone by the club. Rups tries to dial a number but the phone had no battery, he didn’t know how to charge. He says « it doesn’t work » and throws the phone out on the road through the window, lol. The gendarmerie was used to find him in the middle of the night sleeping on the roadside, too. I know the club cared for him as much as they could, but he was erratic and hid all the time. I don’t see the exploitation here, he was paid. He admits he wasted the money, gave it to « friends » ( who ?) Sure, talking about exploitation of these players is long overdue but obviously there are issues that come from within they have to talk about, too.

  • @faiekg
    @faiekg5 жыл бұрын

    I think pound for pound probably the best I have seen playing in my day.

  • @jefffiji624
    @jefffiji6245 жыл бұрын

    Amazing doco on the worlds best winger by far...

  • @bonganic5125
    @bonganic51253 жыл бұрын

    Now I understand. It was not easy for you. You are the greatest winger I have ever seen run with the rugby ball. I can't wait to see your son. All the best Rupeni. I will always be a fan.

  • @sarathlork4898
    @sarathlork48984 жыл бұрын

    Probly the goat when it come to wingers. I personaly liked lomu and sivivatu but when it comes to creating and finishing he is probly the all time goat winger

  • @j.a4923
    @j.a49235 жыл бұрын

    Powerful a real village boy ❤️and it’s true about when he speaks about France

  • @jojiwaqa2961

    @jojiwaqa2961

    5 жыл бұрын

    He not a boy ,he is a man .he paved &dug the trench es for this younger players.give them the $ & respect they deserve.

  • @sefo8396
    @sefo83963 жыл бұрын

    He was my hero growing up, brings me tears of Joy, I full prayed for him back in the days that he'd be back to his best, I use to watch him before a game and consistently throughout the week, he was just the man,

  • @00000AS-T
    @00000AS-T5 жыл бұрын

    he's my best player all the time with Auckland blues

  • @DunedinDealer

    @DunedinDealer

    5 жыл бұрын

    Nice one! I still remember him carving up for northland,

  • @joedu47
    @joedu475 жыл бұрын

    Rupeni le meilleur ailier de tous les temps ! Merci pour tout ce que tu as apporté à Agen (SUA) et à ses supporters.

  • @YallNotWhite_YourPINK

    @YallNotWhite_YourPINK

    11 ай бұрын

    Jonah is better

  • @jnavsslick3764

    @jnavsslick3764

    3 ай бұрын

    He faster than jonah

  • @blairansellfraser
    @blairansellfraser5 жыл бұрын

    Great story. He looks good in a beard! Always wondered about his story (he went to my old club in Northland: Awanui).

  • @brutismaximus1

    @brutismaximus1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yeah same. You use to hear about him disappearing to some remote village in Fiji for long periods of time. But you never got the full story.

  • @MrMahazestar
    @MrMahazestar5 жыл бұрын

    Jonah Lomu and Rupeni Were my favourite wingers of all time. Funny enough the two times that the Blues were relevant was when these two behemoths played.

  • @scottybot2003
    @scottybot20035 жыл бұрын

    Thank you House of Rugby for pointing me towards this and thank you Dan Leo for making it. Rupeni was an absolute gem to watch and i always wondered what happened to him. Ben Ryan has also talked about this kind of experience his Fiji 7's players had and I absolutely think we can do more to support these guys from remote places who have bags of skill and talent.

  • @sicboi
    @sicboi5 жыл бұрын

    Great coverage and interview. This video is important in highlighting the challenges that PI players have in moving overseas to play rugby. It's not surprising a story because it tells the same story of many islander migrants to New Zealand from the islands. Many have little to no skills or education, and have cultural norms that are not suited to non village based life, and so many struggle when they arrive to cities like Auckland to find suitable work, to not have a support system of family that you've left behind. I had a former colleague ring me up back home here in the island asking to borrow some money to help him pay his rent in Auckland. He was greatly ashamed because the perception they also go with is that they are now in a better position to earn more and to look after themselves. Rupeni's story is sad, and I'm ashamed that the Fiji Rugby Union people did not recognize the challenges he was defaulted with when he started playing. Rupeni might represent the extreme end of the island boy lacking even basic education to understand and comprehend the opportunities and challenges he faced. Like migrants from the islands heading out overseas from the islands, support systems start from home. Rupeni should have been given a support system in NZ and definitely in France from the get go, and the FRU should have been one of those responsible to look after a star talent like the one they had on their hands. I doubt the Blues nor his French club understood the cultural shock challenges and appreciated what Rupeni's internal turmoils were. Well done Dan Leo, wishing your work and PRPW all the success and recognition you deserve. It is such important work and our island boys (indeed even island boys born and bred in NZ and Australia) need your help. Cultural appreciation is an important thing to us, and your work to educate and make these players understand life after rugby is so critical for the rest of their lives.

  • @johnnaulu7297
    @johnnaulu7297 Жыл бұрын

    2022 and still watching this guys highlights....what a legend

  • @hippz11
    @hippz115 жыл бұрын

    Love from New Zealand bro, my favorite rugby player chur

  • @tomrounds

    @tomrounds

    5 жыл бұрын

    Leo thank you for this video. I am so pleased to see people like you are taking a very real interest in the welfare of Pacific Island rugby players . I am from Fiji and have always followed Rupeni's playing career but never knew the back story as to why he never fulfilled his potential. There is no need for me to extol, further, his amazing talents; they are all lodged on KZread for those that have yet to experience it. Knowing the Fijian psyche as I do, it tore me apart to think that no one in management ever thought to watch over him and cater for his cultural and emotional needs when he was launched onto the international stage. Mau mau as we say in Fijian. Such a wasted talent that we will never reclaim. I only hope his son achieves the same heights as his father and I hope your organisation is there to help him develop and excel as he matures on the global rugby scene. I shall be contributing to your fund.

  • @yahrmajahsty5266
    @yahrmajahsty52664 жыл бұрын

    I always call him Rupeni "Concorde" Caucaunibuca 😢 Love watching him run with the ball man..His like the Usain bolt n Jona lomu combined freaken freaken fast And strong..I Will have to start training my son to walk 15km up n down the hill now.

  • @clembo13
    @clembo135 жыл бұрын

    one of the greatest to ever play the game. definitely going to donate. good luck mate

  • @jimmysamson9882
    @jimmysamson98825 жыл бұрын

    That's mean cuz! Hes a straight Carver! Humble🙌🙌🙌

  • @freddiematthies1791
    @freddiematthies17915 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Danny, we all need this type of exposure for Pacific Islanders as Papua New Guinea faces the same problem

  • @nikeeddie9430

    @nikeeddie9430

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yep, that's true we all the bloody same in the island. All we think just fun. But that's all life 4 all of us.

  • @Awesome14450
    @Awesome144505 жыл бұрын

    Does he have an idea of what sort of sustainable business their village wants? Because he, himself could become the brand that would put his village in the worlds eyesight's of whatever product they want to produce. His roots, his mysteriousness(it's all sorta clear now, but still), the legendary status mark that he left on the game, and his overall story could be used to create a great brand.

  • @Desi365

    @Desi365

    3 жыл бұрын

    I don’t’know. A decent school would have been a good start. I mean he had to earn a couple of millions throughout his career and wasted everything...

  • @margaretkelly7410

    @margaretkelly7410

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Desi365 I bet people took advantage of him left, right and centre!

  • @SportZFan4L1fe

    @SportZFan4L1fe

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'd start with a decent road from his village to the Main road. ... Ecotourism would be something that works out in those remote Fijian villages in the bush. ... Plus farming.

  • @jaylaisenia1766
    @jaylaisenia17665 жыл бұрын

    Vinaka Leo your last line just pierced my soul Mana

  • @douglasorr7799
    @douglasorr77995 жыл бұрын

    Came here via House of Rugby(You done well Dan) and like I said there It does make you wonder how good a properly funded/run Islander team would be, and the knock on affect to Australia and New Zealand if they couldn't cherry pick their players. Donated.

  • @PK-bh2sr
    @PK-bh2sr5 жыл бұрын

    Dan Leo thanks for sharing!🙏🏽 I’ll be looking forward to more interviews with some of our best PI players!

  • @matthewcsmith
    @matthewcsmith5 жыл бұрын

    Just donated. Keep up the great work Leo!

  • @BigBlack81
    @BigBlack814 жыл бұрын

    Cannot wait to see the other stories you have in this series. This is rugby education, full stop.

  • @jase084084
    @jase0840845 жыл бұрын

    Wish they had all the footage of his tries. He was amazing

  • @t.warmington4301
    @t.warmington43015 жыл бұрын

    Northland Taniwha legend ! GOAT!

  • @mikekaio6845

    @mikekaio6845

    5 жыл бұрын

    Should've never left the Taniwha.

  • @worcsmixedability5841
    @worcsmixedability58415 жыл бұрын

    Shows the importance of a good support network and looking after your mental health

  • @abrahamschmidt6830
    @abrahamschmidt68305 жыл бұрын

    One of the greatest winger.. Of all time period 💯

  • @jewniurfruean3322
    @jewniurfruean33225 жыл бұрын

    Love watching this man play when he was playing for the blues. You The Man Rupeni all the best for what you have planned next for your little village. ❤️🙌

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