All Eyes on Fiji’s ‘Demolition Man’ as He Hopes for Fiji to Topple England in the Rugby World Cup

A game like rugby must take immense street smarts to play. Besides being fast, strong, and good at catching, the game relies heavily on strategy. Much like soccer or American football, there are multiple ways of being great at rugby, from being a world-class physical specimen to being a tactical mastermind. Today’s subject of interest excels immensely on both fronts. That’s right, ‘Demolition Man’ has been one of the most impressive players of the season in France so far.

Levani Botia has attracted attention throughout the season. In fact, he’s one of the Flying Fujians’ most important players. He is one of the first names on the starting line-up and is committed to leaving it all on the field. Now, the Fuji fans are building up anticipation in the lead-up to the quarter-final on Sunday.

Life Before Joining Rugby

Levani Botia, also known as the ‘Demolition Man,’ used to be a prison warden. However, now he is an integral part of a very established rugby team. While his success has been for all to see in his performances, his journey to becoming a quintessential part of his team has certainly been an eventful one. Like many Fujians chasing their dreams in the sport of rugby, Botia had to work hard to make it as a professional.

Read More: Welsh Amateur Rugby Player Suspended for Four Years as Doping Scandal Rocks the Sport

As a prison warden, Botia said his life was far from ideal. “The work in the prison, it’s not simple. When we stay there we are (incarcerated) like (the prisoners), the only difference is the uniform we wear” said Botia. However, soon enough Botia was spotted playing for a local side and invited to join the Wardens’ sevens team.

Soon, he moved on to playing for his country in the Fuji national sevens team. After representing his team in the sport, he switched to the 15-a-side game. Rather amusingly, Botia’s wife, Emele Veivuke. had a particular distaste for rugby players when they first met. During their early encounters, Botia hid his love of the game from her.

How Botia Joined Fiji

Botia’s big break came in 2014. He recalls his phone call with Fiji great Sireli Bobo, who invited Botia to join him in western France. Botia was brought in as Bobo’s replacement for the last three months of the season. “I watched (French-based) players like (Rupeni) Caucaunibuca, (Vilimoni) Delasau. They have been big names around the world and in France as well,” Botia said. Since then, with gritty performances, Botia took La Rochelle from the second division to get promoted and play against the Top 14. Soon, he became one of the best flankers in the world.

As things stand, Botia is the player England fears the most. “He’s brilliant at what he does. He’s strong first and foremost. If he gets over that ball he’s hard to move,” said England flanker Tom Curry. Fuji coach Graham Dewes claims that Botia’s decision-making is key to what makes him a good jackler. “The good thing about Levani, and it’s very important, but he picks and chooses,” said Dewes. Time will tell how well he handles the pressure against England but we can’t wait to witness this nailbiter.

Watch this Story: After Rugby Player Juiced Up for Better Performance, the IFBB Coach Discusses the Serious Consequences It May Have