Vereniki Goneva, a 59-cap veteran for Fiji who has played in three Rugby World Cups, is now a prominent figure for Rhigos RFC, a team competing in the fifth tier of Welsh rugby. The 42-year-old, who previously won a Premiership title with Leicester Tigers, is now a key player for the small club located in the Cynon Valley.
Goneva's presence at Rhigos is explained by his personal circumstances. He is currently living in Wales with his wife's family, and his father-in-law, Emori Katalau, coaches Rhigos. Katalau, a former Fiji international himself, ended his playing career in Wales and now coaches the club, facilitating Goneva's move. The family, including Goneva, his wife, and his in-laws, share a home in Hirwaun, a village near Rhigos.
Speaking about his transition, Goneva described his time at Rhigos as a different experience from playing at the international or top professional level. He finds the current role more enjoyable, appreciating the opportunity to play with and mentor younger players. While he continues to play to maintain his fitness and for the enjoyment of the game, he also values the club environment, which he likens to his early days in rugby. He noted that while local players might not always recognize him, opponents sometimes realize his identity after matches. Goneva also enjoys the post-match camaraderie, occasionally sharing a beer with teammates, drawing parallels to the rugby culture in Fiji and Wales.
Goneva's illustrious career includes winning the Premiership title with Leicester in 2013, being the league's top try-scorer twice, and playing for other major clubs such as Newcastle and Harlequins. He represented Fiji in the 2013, 2015, and 2019 Rugby World Cups, scoring 22 tries in 59 international appearances. He reflected that he now looks back on his career with different perspectives, noting the shift in mindset and physicality required at his current stage of life.
Beyond rugby, Goneva works part-time on the railway, a manual job he finds enjoyable and emphasizes the teamwork involved. He is also preparing to participate in a world-record attempt for the longest rugby sevens game to support the mental health charity LooseHeadz.
Rhigos RFC, with Goneva's assistance, nearly reached the WRU Division 3 Cup final last season, a competition that would have seen them play at the Principality Stadium, the venue where Goneva previously played for Fiji during the 2015 World Cup.
Goneva also commented on Fiji's recent performance in the Nations Championship, acknowledging the challenges of facing Tier One nations like Wales, England, and Scotland. He expressed optimism about Fiji's rugby future and the opportunities presented by the new competition, while also noting the lack of large stadiums in Fiji, a situation he hopes will change in the future.