Belgium Tuatagaloa is certain about what he wants to do.
And that is he would love nothing more than the opportunity to represent Samoa at the Olympics in Rio in 2016.
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But first up, the former New Zealand Sevens rep must make Coach, Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua’s team for the Hong Kong and Japan legs of World Rugby Sevens Series.
He has one leg in there having been named in the training squad.
“It’s an honour to be named in the squad,” he told the Weekend Observer.
“You know there’s a lot of good players up there but for me, it’s a privilege to have been included.”
“I’ll sacrifice everything else just to make the team. I’m willing to train hard and work hard and leave the rest up the coaches.”
Speaking of hard work, it was tough for selectors to ignore Tuatagaloa’s form during the Marist Sevens where he played a key role in Moata’a’s resurgence.
“It has always been a dream for me to return and play for Samoa,” he said.
“To be honest, I’m looking forward to putting on that jersey, I’ll be the happiest person in the world if I put on that blue jersey.”
Tuatagaloa was born in New Zealand but was brought to Samoa and attended Samatau Primary School before he returned to New Zealand where he schooled at Mangere College.
Tuatagaloa made his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2013.
He also played representative rugby for Wellington, having gone through the age grade teams starting in 2009, culminating in a call to the Wellington Lions.
Back in Samoa, Tuatagaloa said his push for national honours is about giving back to Samoa.
“I want to earn my spot in the team,” he said. “I don't want to just come here and say, hey, look at me I have played for the All Blacks.
“I don't want that. I want to prove my worth and if I can contribute to the team – which I know I can – I will be very blessed.”
“I’m here to play and make my country proud. It’s a blessing for me to come back to Samoa and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Belgium is the son of Mano’o Joyita from Samatau and Litara from Sapapali’i and Matautu Falelatai.
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