Although Vaione Tegu, 35, knows it is a bit late to get an overseas rugby contact, he is grateful that he is back with his family.
With probably one year left to play rugby, Tegu hopes to complete his coaching courses and be a coaching consultant soon.
Tegu was one of the 12 prisoners serving life sentences at the Naboro Fiji Correctional Centre who was granted a presidential pardon by President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on Wednesday (December 20).
“I went to prison after one incident that happened during a drinking party, back in 2006 in Navua,” the Kadavu native said.
Standing six foot three inches, Tegu, an aspiring rugby player back then, was just 19 years old.
In a twist of fate the promising life he had been aiming for took a downward spiral after the unfortunate incident that took the life of another man.
He was playing club rugby in sevens and 15s when was charged for the alleged offence.
“I was sent to prison in 2009, I was sentenced to life imprisonment with eligibility for parole after 12 years,” he said.
“I was lucky to have wardens, and officers who knew me as a rugby player. Many of them told me that I could be in France playing rugby and even be by now a Flying Fijian if I did not go to prison.
“While in prison, I played for the Warden 7s and Namosi 15s sides.
“I was one of the few lucky ones who went through rugby rehabilitation while in prison.
“My advice to young and aspiring rugby players is that when they are involved in drinking they must know the difference in decision making; using the emotional and thinking mindset.
“Many times, we base our decisions on our emotions, when we are angry or happy and we do not think.”
Tegu was the first serving inmate to acquire a license to operate a digger.
“I hope to find a job soon as a digger operator, I am so grateful to the rehabilitation programmes at the Fiji Correctional Centre.
“With my experience as a rugby player and knowledge as coach I hope to share and help aspiring rugby players.”
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