He is a discreet man, a little shy, who drags his flip-flops at all times (except in the field of course) at the Stadium. Setareki Tuicuvu, who arrived in Brive last year, has the assurance of a warrior in a match. As shown recently by his revival which led to Nayacalevu’s try with Fiji against Wales. “We put in a good try” he says, proud to describe the action, “the space that there was between their 10 and the big ones” as well as the pass for “my buddy Botitu”.
A versatile full-back who can play center
In a very short time, he has become one of the almost indisputable starters of the CAB, certainly benefiting from the injuries of Thomas Laranjeira last year and of Brivist centers Olding and Lee this season. Because, the training rear has several strings to its bow. He can play on the wing but also in the center. “I played two games in Clermont at this post “ he says, “This year, the coach asked me with injuries to play in this position. It’s nice, because there are a lot of contacts and you can carry the ball” he explains without regrets. Even if, sometimes, the natural returns at a gallop. “_For two games, I forgot that I was playing a cross and went back to back “smiles the Fijian, who arrived last year. “I really like this group, it’s very family-oriented, the spirit of the locker room is really good” _ he explains.
ASM training for several years
Setareki Tuicuvu flourishes in Corrèze, but does not forget its Clermont roots. “I arrived in Clermont in 2015” explains the 26-year-old rear. He played his first game with the pros against Lyon. He will learn his scales with force in Auvergne, with “players who still give me advice” he emphasizes. For one season, after the departure of Nick Abendanon for Vannes, he takes an almost official starting position. Corn, he recognizes that the Clermont club is a club with “high-level players”. It was then that he had the opportunity, after the Covid, to join Brive.
Chance of the calendar, it is against ASM that he played his first match at the Stadium. “Unfortunately there was no atmosphere” he explains, “because of the Covid”. Which makes this Sunday match the first real derby with a crowd at the Stadium. “I think it’s going to be good” smiles the Fijian, whose hands can almost be seen rubbing together.
Above all, in the stands there should be someone important.“My girlfriend is from Clermont” he admits smiling. “She wanted to come with her family to watch the game. “ After the Christmas meal, the atmosphere in the evening may be quite electric.