Semisi Masirewa has found his Super Rugby comfort zone at the Force.
The 23-year-old former Manawatu outside back is in his first season with the Perth-based franchise, but said the environment was similar to what he faced in Palmerston North.
“To be honest, [atmosphere] is pretty similar to the Turbos,” he said.
“It is such a nice environment to be around. It is good to be around those kinds of people.
“The Turbos are like that. The skipper Callum Gibbins is such a nice guy and the skipper here, Matt Hodgson, is no different. It is the same with the coaches. Michael Foley is no different to Jason O’Halloran. He is a nice person and is good to learn from.”
The Fijian-born flyer, who moved to New Zealand in 2010 and attended Wanganui High School and Feilding High School, will get a chance to run back onto his former home field at Arena Manawatu when the Force take on the Hurricanes on Friday night.
“It is pretty exciting to come back and play on my home ground again. That is where it all started,” he said.
It was his form playing fullback for the Turbos in the absence of Nehe Milner-Skudder in the national provincial championship last year that caught the eyes of the Force coaches.
His season was shortened by a broken ankle and despite playing just six full games compared with 12 for others, he still finished 13th in clean breaks and seventh in defenders beaten.
But his injury affected his Super Rugby chances with the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders’ interest limited to wider training group deals.
The Force offered him a two year deal, which he took.
“I am loving it so far,” he said. “I am just trying to do my best and play well.”
He came off the bench in the Force’s first game of the year, but started the last two on the wing.
He expected to spend most of his time on the wing this year.
“Maybe one or two games they will chuck me at fullback and I will have a run there.”
He has looked dangerous for the Force, but spent 10 minutes in the bin for taking Tevita Kuridrani out in the air against the Brumbies last weekend.
With attack not being an issue for Masirewa, he said he had been focusing on improving his defensive alignment and communication.
He said he had not given much thought when it comes to playing international rugby, but he did not plan to be picky on who he plays for.
“I have not had anyone approaching me yet,” he said. “I do not mind. Whoever gives me a call first and wants me to join them, I will take that opportunity.”
Fiji would be smart to act quickly.