Sri Lankan rugby has taken a new look with the inclusion of two Fijian-born players in the recent international tournaments this year.
The adopted Emori Waqavulangi and Joseph Dunn provide the Fijian flair, speed and strength to the Lankan outfit and www.thepapare.com caught up with both these exciting players for a one-on-one to get to know them better.
Firstly, tell us your age and your birthday?
Emori – I’m 24 years old and I was born on 17th of June in 1990.
Dunn – My birthday falls on 21st of November, 1992 and in few weeks, I’ll be 22 years old.
What is your favourite food?
Emori – Well, I like to eat boiled chicken and fish. I prefer eating boiled green vegetables as well.
Dunn – In Fiji, I love eating boiled fish.
What is your favourite ‘Sri Lankan’ food?
Emori – Here, I love eating fried chicken.
Dunn – No doubt, it is chicken submarine.
Pic by Hiran Weerakkody
Where do you reside in Sri Lanka?
Emori – We stay in Barnes Place.
Dunn – Yes, we both stay together in Barnes Place, it is the Hambanthota Sharks house in Colombo.
Who is your favourite rugby player?
Emori – My favourite rugby player is the former Fijian fly-half Nicky Little.
Dunn – My rugby idol is Fijian utility-back Napolioni Nalaga.
Who is your favourite rugby mate in Sri Lanka?
Emori – It’s Willy, Anurudda Wilwara.
Dunn – I would proudly say, Navy scrum-half Suranga Pushpakumara.
Apart of rugby, do you have any other sporting passions?
Emori – I like playing volleyball, especially beach volleyball.
Dunn – I used to play volleyball from small days, so yes it is definitely volleyball.
What do you like the most in Sri Lanka?
Emori – I like the Lankan beaches.
Dunn – Here, staying in hotels is the best experience.
Pic by Mohamed Musthaq
What is your favourite Sinhalese word?
Emori – (Bursts into laughs) Ammatahudu
Dunn – Hodai
What is your favourite film?
Emori – Die Hard 4.
Dunn- Twilight
Tell us about your taste in music?
Emori – I like listening to gospel songs, hill songs.
Dunn – Pop music is my favourite genre of music.
What is your favourite drink?
Emori – Orange Juice
Dunn – I like Orange Juice too.
Living in Sri Lanka, what do you miss the most about Fiji?
Emori – I miss my family and I miss eating Manyock
Dunn – I miss my family, friends and the traditional Fijian culture which is way different than the Sri Lankan culture.
Since being here last year, who is the most funniest you have met so far?
Emori and Dunn – (together with brimming smiles) ‘Suranga Pushpakumara’
Lastly, how can you describe the experience of Sri Lanka?
Emori – It is been a great pleasure playing here in this beautiful country and I enjoy it to the max.
Dunn – This is the best step for my rugby career and I’m extremely happy to be here.
We thank both Emori Waqavulangi and Joseph Dunn for their valuable time. We wish them all the success and hope they will bring more glory to Sri Lanka in the future.
