Ben Volavola has one of the most unique careers in world rugby. Across a 13-year professional journey, he's played for the Waratahs, Crusaders, North Harbour, Canterbury, Rebels, Racing 92, Bordeaux, Perpignan, Agen, Leicester Tigers, Queensland Reds and now returns home to join the Fijian Drua.
A two-time Rugby World Cup representative and one of Fiji's most experienced first fives, Ben has experienced the highs of winning Super Rugby and the lows of missing a Rugby World Cup squad. Throughout it all, he's built a reputation as one of rugby's ultimate professionals and a respected teammate wherever he's played.
Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…
- Why rugby was the only plan he ever had growing up
- The decision to represent Fiji after coming through the Australian pathway
- What he learned from the Crusaders culture and why the best cultures win championships
- The heartbreak of missing Fiji's 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and how he found motivation again
- Playing alongside stars like Israel Folau & Richie Mo'unga
- Why he's returning home to join the Fijian Drua and help build the future of Fijian rugby
- The lessons he's taken from playing professionally across Australia, New Zealand, France and England
Ben has experienced almost every corner of professional rugby, but what stood out most was his humility, gratitude and perspective. This is a fascinating conversation about resilience, culture, leadership and what it really takes to build a long career in professional sport.
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