Support Rupeni's dream to start a sustainable business in his village:
bit.ly/2Wnzztt
Presented by: Dan Leo
Produced by: Callum Drummond - / callumdrummond
One of rugby’s most entertaining players, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, was raised in one of the world's most remote and isolated villages in Fiji. With no education, and no support mechanisms to help Pacific Islanders, Rupeni was ill-equipped to deal with his meteoric rise to stardom. Now retired, Rupeni currently lives in his village with little means of income.
After inspiring and entertaining so many of us through his career, We invite the Rugby Family to help us give Rupeni a 2nd chance, to turn his life around, and to give his story the positive ending that it truly deserves.
Pacific Rugby Players Welfare (www.pacificrugbywelfare.com) is a not-for-profit organisation that works with over 400 Pacific Island rugby players worldwide, providing them the support, advice & skills they need to thrive, both during and after their rugby careers.
To help him realise his dream of starting a village business that will support him and his family, PRPW and Rupeni will be working with The Earth Care Agency, a local Fijian company who specialise in setting up organic, sustainable community businesses.
I’m 55 years young and I have watched and seen many wingers in my time and I don’t think we will ever see another Rupeni, speed, power, balance, acceleration.
every winger has speed, power and acceleration but they're all missing Rupeni's balance which set him apart from any player i have ever seen.
Yeah mate its that combo... Run around you, over you, step you, chip and gather, and he also was unselfish and passed the ball too. He was rugby's Ronaldinho... Talented yet at heart not committed
You’re right!
Strongly agreed
Will never see this type of talent again
My coach back in high school was Todd Miller (Chiefs fullback and All Black) I asked at trainning one time who was the hardest to defend. He said "Jonah had all the power and had speed but Rupeni was a freak on foot". He said what you see on tv is different from when hes in front of you. always enjoyed this guy running out for the blues.
it all makes sense now this poor bugger felt isolated in a foreign country going from zero to 100 must have been overwhelming for him. good luck mate for the future.
👍👍👍
I remember as a teen, when Rupeni was ripping up for the blues, I went with my mate and his dad to Massey clubrooms for function for the club. Later that night there was Rupeni with my mates dad blazing up smoking weed getting onnit. Lol. I couldn't believe it. Wish he could've played for the ABz in that 2003 world cup. Could've had a good rugby environment around him. Absolutely deadly with ball in space. All the best uso✊🏾
U are a snitch .... snitches get stitches. . friends like you who needs enemy
@@jojiwaqa2961 bitches like you need to wake up from the fantasy land you live in. Everyone knew he got down like that. UFA!!!
@@jojiwaqa2961 stfu, I smoked a joint with rups in Suva, everybody knows clown
That was an emotional story from Rupeni. I missed his rugby days. He’s the type of player who you love to watch every time he plays. Everyone makes mistake Rupeni and no one is perfect. You story will be a good learning lesson to the young Pacific rugby players. Nothing is too late. You can still make a change a be successful. Wishing you luck for whatever you’re doing now. By the way, your English is good.
I've to admit that a little tears appeared when he's explaining how broke he is. I grew up with this legend every weekend and it really hurt seeing him in that situation. I mean the fact that no one ever really made him understood what will happen after rugby is mindblowing... Those pacifid players are so humble
The reality is that Rupeni is back in Fiji on the income of the majority of villagers in Fiji. Its a poor country
@@MrAhuapaiI wouldn't call it a poor country. We can still survive even if we have no money.
In my eyes they are the richest countries around.. Because Fijians can still rely on Nature with food. @@MrAhuapai
The greatest specialist winger the world has ever seen. Pure speed. He will either run around you, step through you, or run over you if he so chooses.
Also the grubber
That's exactly right bro there's nobody that's even close to him. Very very natural player.
I have seen so many great wingers over my life time, in New Zealand. But this guy was always my favorite, after watching him play for the blues, some of his tries I believe no one else would have score them, they were incredible tries, by an incredible player.
Saw Caucau play against QLD Reds - when Wendell Sailor Debuted his first game for the REDS...………..He marked Rupeni - We all thought Caucau would get smothered and eaten alive - until he got the BALL...…...….He burned Wendell on his first touch and scored a runaway 90m try - then he did it again on his second touch - a 90m try - WOW - he made Wendell look STUPID out there and his Blistering Pace was unbelievable :) Fastest Winger Id ever watched up to that point :) Amazing Speed...…….He should've done Athletics too :) he would smashed a few records :) you could see WENDELL thinking what the HELL am I doing lol......
Caucaunibuca was incredible
I remember that but you also forgot to mention wendell manhandled him also. Wendell got caught out of position a few times but ball in hand steamrolled the pretty pathetic attempts at tackling from cacau
@@edvardthomson7264 we must’ve been watching a different game…..Wendalls first game for the Reds was at Carrara Stadium….I was in the stands behind the Auckland Blues squad…..I didn’t see Wendell manhandle Caucau???……….not even close….CauCau was miles ahead in speed….he made Wendell look silly - but Wendall still had a fine game but he didn’t do anything spectacular…..Reds also got thumped that day as well…….
He was a 100m sprinter when he was a teenager.
@@edvardthomson7264 Lies 😂😂
When Legends Speaks They Speak From There Heart ............. We Respect To That
I swear this guy use to make all his opponents nervous as f*** whenever he got the ball. He lit up the rugby field everytime he played🔥🔥. Absolute legend👐. Stay blessed rups.
Peni lives just a few blocks away from where my father is from, we used to meet him whenever we went back home. A very kind and humble fella this bloke. He catches and sells sea cucumber now.
Imagine if he had a support person (mentor) someone that looked after him....... Just think what kind rugby records he would of broke. Glad I got to witness him glide through defenders with ease.!!!!!
If his young lad turns out better than his dad as he suggests, then we have a truly special player on its way
Robb Stark ... YEAH, BUT WHO WILL HE PLAY FOR?!?!?
Caiote Fu Fiji lad, the way they’re going they are gunna be a force! Could see them getting to the semi finals this year
Robb Stark Possibly... I just hope they dont come up against the DRAGONS, Wales! Grand Slam Champions mate! =) .
Caiote Fu mate they’re a force! Solid set piece these days and there back line is unreal! A centre pairing of Botia and radradra with tuivosa on the wing is lethal!!
Robb Stark I bet mate... im just super happy its the bloody World Cup in a few weeks! Cant wait, good luck to all the Pacific Islanders, im sure they will do very well, as usual! Being a Welshman its always scary playing these teams when its not a friendly :( lol .
I used to be a doorman in Town back in the late '90s, and when working my shift on Hobson street NZ, Rupeni, Joe rokocoko and a few other Fijian players rocked up tipsy. Rupeni was very respectful but I was shocked to see him smoking cigarettes lol. Today we have welfare services for our upcoming rugby players and it's sad to hear Rupenis life journey without this modern support. My curiosity is how many more players like Rupeni felt isolated due to language barriers leading to bad decision making. I hope all potential players coming up through the ranks watch and learn from this living legend and that education and good friends/family support etc is enhanced in their lives! GB you Rupeni you surely educated us with your playing style and just glad you're with family now who love you regardless where you have humbled yourself to share your heart with the world.
Rupeni loved to smoke😄 I don't know if he still smokes but he looks well. He normally turns up in his hometown with torn jeans and tshirts with a bucket hat that has the Auckland blues logo. No one really notices him, a real villager😁 and a really humble guy.
while in france he was known to puff on the wacky backy
@@demjuscrazy Lol So thats what they call it out those ways huh? lol
I had the pleasure of watching Rupeni many times, an extraordinary player who possessed sublime skill and speed definitely one of Fiji's greatest players ever to represent them. Respect to Dan Leo for reminding the rugby world what enjoyment Rupeni brought, a boy from the village to rugby star and then back to the village. Hopefully, Rupeni can continue to contribute to the next village star.
When i was child i see him in Agen, that was my favorite players with pepito elorga, all my chillhood i would like to be like rupps ! One of the biggest rugby winger for me
Wow I always wondered what happened to this legend. Awesome to hear his story because it all makes sense now. Much love to you Rupeni!
I came here straight after watching House of Rugby with James Haskell and Dan Leo. Thanks for educating me.
I would watch Rupeni Caucau over and over on the RWC 2003 dvd in my basement. I was 13 and him playing transfixed me like no other player has before or since, except o'driscoll at times
This Guy made me a Auckland Blues Fan for Life. vinaka Rups
Auckland blue was strong but now GEEEEEE they are hard to watch 🙈
I still remember his try against France in the RWC from one end of the field to another...forever etched in my memory 👌👏
F'ing sad tbh. I grew up thinking a man must take care of himself, but I've come to realise we need people to help us. While I don't 'blame' anyone here, and seems like Rupeni takes the responsibility, I think we need to do better when throwing people into the deep end... Absolutely incredible player. Hope he can get involved with educating the youngsters of the pitfalls of professional sport.
As a nz kid in the 90s him and lomu were like gods amongst the youth in polynesian communities in nz where im from
Fascinating. Fans often forget that the players we admire so much are not robots. They're human beings with flaws. Rupeni provided some jaw dropping moments of genius on the field. His message here is a valuable lesson for all budding professionals in rugby or league, not just Pasifika players either.
On point mate👍🥇
you are a legend Rupeni! You and the late great Jonah Lomu were the best wingers ever!!
louaiga74 I agree, but you have to put Shane Williams in that argument too! World Rugby needs to sort this shit out, its disgusting! Great short film though, thanks!
@@caiotefu9856 Shane Williams was good but he had nothing on Rupeni. head to head,Rupeni wins every day of the week
louaiga74 Gotta disagree mate... Shane was voted the best player in the world!!! Twinkle toes gets my vote. Anyway, good luck in the World Cup, I just hope you dont come up against The grand Slam Champions Wales :D lol . Seriously though, I hope the Pacific Islanders do really well and we meet in the final!
@@caiotefu9856 fair call mate. Wales has always been a force and it might just be their time,having come so close in previous tournaments....I wish Wales all the best and would not be disappointed to see them in the final...as long as it's not England hahaha lol
Caiote Fu don't worry I hope Wales meet the All Blacks which are filled with Pacific Islanders
If i was a Scout, i'd be putting his son through the best schools now. Sign him up for the future at age 12. Imagine a well educated rugby beast, a young Caucau graduating from one of NZ' best rugby Colleges in a few years !!
NZ and Aussie schools go poach the islands for talent. Sure this kid will get scooped up soon.
Na sona
@@TheAsiaCentury 😂😂
Send him to the storm ⚡️⚡️
Still can't forget his try for northland vs Auckland in 2001. He blitzed Doug howlett to the tryline to score & then James arlidge kicked the conversion to win the game.
One of the best wingers ever. .Sad to see his situation after his rugby career. He deserved so much. .All the best uso for the future Rupeni. Alofa aku
One of my favorite Wingers of the super 12 series. Our Polynesian players need to be looked after, taught how to save n spend with life after Rugby. I Love this episode, Thank you Leo (Uso) for making a beautiful series of past LEGENDARY Rugby players, update on their lives and getting the full story straight from the players themselves. Bless you Reubeni, I always loved watching you play back in the 90s & 2000....Fiji Legend. Mothe
You truly correct, I thought that he was gonna be an all black. He was the best in my opinion, sad that he couldn't communicate properly with others ❤️ GB
@@mychoiceheta800Jonah was better
Wow so glad I know his story now, always wondered what happened with this amazing talent. Someone sign his son now!!!!
What a player he was and what a lesson for all young PI players coming up into professional rugby. Well done on the 1st episode Dan and Callum.
Chris Seuteni a cautionary lesson?
@@TrueFilter most definitely
Caucau was so good people forget the blues other winger at the time was the rocket man Joe Rokocoko!
With Dougie Howlett at 15 - what a back 3 they were.
lets not forget jonah lomu and joeli vidiri!!! @@maxball222
Joe rokocoko I mean he was a beast but was always 2nd to rupeni.. rupeni 11 and Joe at 14.. rupeni gone and den joe was the favorite
The Blues of 2003 was uncompromising. They have never been anywhere close since.
Dey had the squad.. Spencer tuitupou muliaina Joe rupeni and howlett
I've never seen any other rugby player run with such ease....besides Christian Cullen 🙌🏽
He played like we all did when we were kids on the front lawn during lunch times at school having fun running with the ball scoring tries very natural gifted player he made it look like so much fun 👍
Absolutely loved the way this guy effortlessly glides through with ease in speed and traffic... He been around the world and he’s Village is where his heart is.. Humble man.. True talent rose to the very top in so little time..
Growing up in Fiji in the 2000s .....the name Caucau was like all over the tv sets....people looked foward to all his games. Considered to be the best wing to come out of our country.
This man only played 10+ games for Blues and became the greatest Blues player ever.😂😂
I hope your kids continue on your rugby legacy i was a big fan of you Caucau when you was on the come up and to see. This make me cry didnt know you going thru all struggles behind the cameras much alofa from 🇼🇸
Without any doubt Caucau was the best winger in the world for Auckland! "The rest of them are dinosaurs"
LEGEND FOREVER!! So he decided to play 🏉rugby..lol! What a magnificent guy he was..humble hero..I love the Koro!it stays in your blood if you Fijian..💚💛🧡❤💜SUPER RUGBY HERO! 4EVER!
My all time favorite player, I use to watch him everyday and study how he ran
my favourite player, never cared about how the media portrayed him or anything because he was still the best whenever he played even when he wasnt at his healthiest, he was still smarter than everyone else at playing the game because its easy for him. best highlights to watch for a rugby player and so many highlights missing that i wish i could see! very smart person hope to see his son play one day sounds exciting haha
Respect ✊🏾u might not have money left but u have ur family and friends back home
World rugby in general, and NZ rugby specifically, owes a great deal to the pacific islands. I'd love to see a pacifica team in the super rugby competition.
2 years later 🙌🙌👏👏💯🇹🇴🇫🇯🇼🇸
Up the moana and the drua speed demon🙏
Finally a bro
👍👍👍
Incredible... I am a Welshman living in Japan,,, So I know how difficult living in a foreign country - My Mrs is Japanese and so I have had support,, but these stories...Amazing talent and had he and many others had the support, who knows what the Island teams can achieve.
I remember watching him as a kid in northland. Short stay with us, but a great impact.
Fa’afetai lava Dan, Callum and Rupeni. One of the Best P.I wingers to play the game! Hopefully get to see his son follow in his footsteps on the rugby field👌🏽
Not just one of the best PI wingers to play the game... one of the best players to play the game. The most astoundingly talented guy I've seen on a rugby pitch. Too good for his own good - he never seemed to have to try!
My favourite player to see with the ball in hand. Never forget watching him when I was kid.
There’s never been a more lethal attacking player
I have been good friends with Caucau for many years he was my neighbor in Northland whangarei we would often have friendly games of touch together he was untouchable man even when he was just playing around for fun he could literally jump on the field after eating KFC and being over weight and STILL kick ass. He was an incredible human. He was EXTREMELY!! fast and very explosive, his ACCELERATION!! was second to none, he had supreme balance on both his right and left legs could step on both, he had an unreal ability to defend himself while running alone the sideline he would use his hips to throw his opponents out, his kick and catch skills were unbelievable he was the most complete athlete in rugby and 7s history.
The ONLY player I put on the same pedestal as Jonah and handling skills probably half a step higher. The prospect of a Caucau jr. is mesmerising and I’m sure his father will guide him well.
@@jamesmarshall7513 I take it you're talking about playing them in those positions, And not their relative skill sets at those ages?
Thanks to house of rugby for putting me on to this it's a travesty the way Pacific Islanders are treated in world rugby I am subbed and can't wait for the next episode.
One of the best winger in the world of all time. A legend !!!
My all time favorite rugby playa 👌 n I'm 🇼🇸
Fav winger of all time💯🔥
Bula Rups,very happy to have some news from you! J michel from toulouse
You're still one of the best SIR 👏
I think pound for pound probably the best I have seen playing in my day.
Great story. He looks good in a beard! Always wondered about his story (he went to my old club in Northland: Awanui).
Yeah same. You use to hear about him disappearing to some remote village in Fiji for long periods of time. But you never got the full story.
From the village to an international arena Fiji have ever produced... One of the many professional Rugby wingers. 🔥👐
I am grateful you were playing during my lifetime because I was privileged to see an exceptional player, twinkle toes Rupeni.
Amazing doco on the worlds best winger by far...
Powerful a real village boy ❤️and it’s true about when he speaks about France
He not a boy ,he is a man .he paved &dug the trench es for this younger players.give them the $ & respect they deserve.
Wish they had all the footage of his tries. He was amazing
The Bua Bullet. Once in a lifetime legend. This is his honest story...
No matter what he is not, he once made all Fijians proud back in the day and many fans also. Wish we could give back to this guy and maybe we control things for him so it can support him and his family.
The blues have had some amazing wingers, rupeni, doug Howlett, joeli vidiri, Joe rockococo,
Thanks Danny, we all need this type of exposure for Pacific Islanders as Papua New Guinea faces the same problem
Yep, that's true we all the bloody same in the island. All we think just fun. But that's all life 4 all of us.
Love from New Zealand bro, my favorite rugby player chur
Leo thank you for this video. I am so pleased to see people like you are taking a very real interest in the welfare of Pacific Island rugby players . I am from Fiji and have always followed Rupeni's playing career but never knew the back story as to why he never fulfilled his potential. There is no need for me to extol, further, his amazing talents; they are all lodged on KZhead for those that have yet to experience it. Knowing the Fijian psyche as I do, it tore me apart to think that no one in management ever thought to watch over him and cater for his cultural and emotional needs when he was launched onto the international stage. Mau mau as we say in Fijian. Such a wasted talent that we will never reclaim. I only hope his son achieves the same heights as his father and I hope your organisation is there to help him develop and excel as he matures on the global rugby scene. I shall be contributing to your fund.
Thank you House of Rugby for pointing me towards this and thank you Dan Leo for making it. Rupeni was an absolute gem to watch and i always wondered what happened to him. Ben Ryan has also talked about this kind of experience his Fiji 7's players had and I absolutely think we can do more to support these guys from remote places who have bags of skill and talent.
You were an awesome player Rupeni I only wish you didn't go walk about. Loved watching you play
Love you annie
he's my best player all the time with Auckland blues
Nice one! I still remember him carving up for northland,
Great coverage and interview. This video is important in highlighting the challenges that PI players have in moving overseas to play rugby. It's not surprising a story because it tells the same story of many islander migrants to New Zealand from the islands. Many have little to no skills or education, and have cultural norms that are not suited to non village based life, and so many struggle when they arrive to cities like Auckland to find suitable work, to not have a support system of family that you've left behind. I had a former colleague ring me up back home here in the island asking to borrow some money to help him pay his rent in Auckland. He was greatly ashamed because the perception they also go with is that they are now in a better position to earn more and to look after themselves. Rupeni's story is sad, and I'm ashamed that the Fiji Rugby Union people did not recognize the challenges he was defaulted with when he started playing. Rupeni might represent the extreme end of the island boy lacking even basic education to understand and comprehend the opportunities and challenges he faced. Like migrants from the islands heading out overseas from the islands, support systems start from home. Rupeni should have been given a support system in NZ and definitely in France from the get go, and the FRU should have been one of those responsible to look after a star talent like the one they had on their hands. I doubt the Blues nor his French club understood the cultural shock challenges and appreciated what Rupeni's internal turmoils were. Well done Dan Leo, wishing your work and PRPW all the success and recognition you deserve. It is such important work and our island boys (indeed even island boys born and bred in NZ and Australia) need your help. Cultural appreciation is an important thing to us, and your work to educate and make these players understand life after rugby is so critical for the rest of their lives.
No offence to other wingers. Rupeni Caucau is the best winger Fiji Rugby team ever had. One of a kind!! God Bless you Rups. 💪🏉
He was one of the best...my husbands favourite
Correction. Rupeni was and is the best winger IN WORLD RUGBY HISTORY.
Yep. And his potential was never even fully exploited.
I living in Agen, i remember rupeni for my entire life, this speed, power and agility are unforgettable, i have a little rugby ball with this signature 😁😁 a great man, a great player, chapeau l'artiste et merci pour tout ce que tu as fait pour Agen, profite bien de la vie que tu as toujours voulu avoir, respect
Rupeni le meilleur ailier de tous les temps ! Merci pour tout ce que tu as apporté à Agen (SUA) et à ses supporters.
Jonah is better
He faster than jonah
one of the greatest to ever play the game. definitely going to donate. good luck mate
Came here via House of Rugby(You done well Dan) and like I said there It does make you wonder how good a properly funded/run Islander team would be, and the knock on affect to Australia and New Zealand if they couldn't cherry pick their players. Donated.
I just love love the story and it really make me crying. Thats a very true story about a kind of life in the village bk home. Its really hard life when you hia his story but 4 all islanders this is normal life bk home. Just like he said in the island no money no worries, if want go ask ur next door because every door bk home never closed. To be honest as Fijian, its not easy life but its all easy for all pacific islanders. God bless.
Vinaka Leo your last line just pierced my soul Mana
The best !!!when he ran he made men look like they were standing still..I can still see him and dougie Howlett ripping up the edge of the field... sorry to hear it all ended like this but what a man to try and help the new ones coming through it needs to be done in all codes or sports....When anyone asks you are still the name everyone talks about till this day... LEGEND
Being a rugby player from Fiji is a hard job. Being a Fiji Rugby fan is the Hardest Job in the world. You never know which team is showing up to play. On their day they can beat the best team in the world. And on other days they will loose an unloose-able match. Win- loose or draw we still support our players and team.
When Fiji gets the financial support needed from world rugby all the way down to schools and clubs and the national team and stop being a feeder country to New Zealand 🇳🇿 and Australia 🇦🇺 national teams then Fiji 🇫🇯 will be a very strong contender for the RWC as could all of the Pacific island Nations ! If given a level playing field Just hope they never lose their natural game Running, Passing , Scoring and having Fun 🤩 Go Fiji 🇫🇯
2022 and still watching this guys highlights....what a legend
Dan Leo thanks for sharing!🙏🏽 I’ll be looking forward to more interviews with some of our best PI players!
That's mean cuz! Hes a straight Carver! Humble🙌🙌🙌
Cannot wait to see the other stories you have in this series. This is rugby education, full stop.
I always call him Rupeni "Concorde" Caucaunibuca 😢 Love watching him run with the ball man..His like the Usain bolt n Jona lomu combined freaken freaken fast And strong..I Will have to start training my son to walk 15km up n down the hill now.
Love watching this man play when he was playing for the blues. You The Man Rupeni all the best for what you have planned next for your little village. ❤️🙌
Very humble man I really loved watching him when I was young.
The best winger I have ever seen on a rugby field, truly breathtaking some of the things he did.
Just donated. Keep up the great work Leo!
Jonah Lomu and Rupeni Were my favourite wingers of all time. Funny enough the two times that the Blues were relevant was when these two behemoths played.
In Agen, a player was driving Rups to training. He was given a cellphone by the club. Rups tries to dial a number but the phone had no battery, he didn’t know how to charge. He says « it doesn’t work » and throws the phone out on the road through the window, lol. The gendarmerie was used to find him in the middle of the night sleeping on the roadside, too. I know the club cared for him as much as they could, but he was erratic and hid all the time. I don’t see the exploitation here, he was paid. He admits he wasted the money, gave it to « friends » ( who ?) Sure, talking about exploitation of these players is long overdue but obviously there are issues that come from within they have to talk about, too.
One of my favorite players and wingers put him up there next to Lomu.
I think he had more to his game the Lomu but both were class
He's better than lomu, all lomu did was run it straight, caucau most skilled player ever in attack, lomu was tackled by gregan when he ran down the side line, caucau pushed him off like nothing
@@anthonysefo8615 vinaka jo
@@anthonysefo8615 Lomu did more than run straight mate when he debuted he was a one off Rupeni had more skill etc but Lomu changed the game.
Still my favourite winger of all time. Up the mighty Taniwha. Blessings Rupeni
Great doc and really shows the need for the richer rugby unions to step in and help the poorer ones out so these fantastic Pacific island players can prosper on and off the field while they have the added pressure of supporting their families and communities. There really should be a Pacific island super rugby team by now, especially with all the great players that have represented the New Zealand and Australian teams over the years.
He was my hero growing up, brings me tears of Joy, I full prayed for him back in the days that he'd be back to his best, I use to watch him before a game and consistently throughout the week, he was just the man,
Absolutely love this guy!!! My man!!! Love you uce!!! Forever!!!
Thank you Pacific Rugby Players Welfare for this. 🙏🏾 That last line. Bittersweet.
Very moving video. What we don't know as we watch these great players. Donation made. I hope it all works out