It's been quite a leap to Super Rugby for former Fijian basketball international Pita Gus Sowakula.
Sowakula was the latest Chiefs debutant called up to their squad as injury cover and he was thrust into action 66 minutes into their 27‑22 victory over the Highlanders last Friday.
When replacing Liam Messam, the 23‑year‑old loose forward realised a dream that has gathered momentum ever since leaving Fiji for New Zealand when his agent secured a deal with Taranaki Rugby to place him in the union's academy at the end of the 2016 club rugby season.
The Chiefs' only fit specialist locks are Brodie Retallick and Tyler Ardron and Sowakula was only converted from a winger to a forward when arriving in Taranaki in 2016.
Sowakula was named the most promising player at the Taranaki Rugby awards in 2017 ‑ two years after claiming a silver medal in basketball with Fiji at the 2015 Pacific Games.
He was working at Hideaway Resort in Fiji when his agent asked him if he wanted to play overseas after playing rugby all his life, then basketball at high school, until focusing on the former when moving to Taranaki.
Sowakula is expected to be named again this week when the Chiefs face the Blues at 7.35pm Saturday.
Source: stuff.co.nz
