​I used to play as a striker, a natural at nodding in goals with a powerful header, the kind of finisher you’d expect from a forward like Harry Kane.
Fiji wing Jiuta Wainiqolo is reflecting on his early days trying out for his country’s under-20 football squad. The 27-year-old has since shifted his focus to rugby, and this season his strike-rate has reached a level comparable to the prolific Bayern Munich forward who has been leading England’s charge in the World Cup race for the oval ball. Wainiqolo finished the Top 14 season as the top try-scorer by a comfortable margin, with his nearest challenger, Louis Bielle-Biarrey of Bordeaux Begles, on 13 tries. While at Lyon earlier in the campaign, Wainiqolo crossed 18 times in just 20 games, delivering a reel of swerves, quick footwork and spectacular finishes.
On the international stage, he produced one of 2025’s standout moments: gathering a bobbling ball deep in his own half, weaving past four Australia defenders, and then flicking a pass for Lekima Tagitagivalu to finish in the corner. Wainiqolo is arguably the most thrilling winger in world rugby, and on Saturday, just hours before England’s squad led by Kane seeks a World Cup semi-final, he will try to dazzle the English with that same magic on the field.
“We watched England’s game against South Africa; they’re physical, but I think we’re more physical than South Africa,” he says. “We’ll fix everything that we lacked in the last game [the 39-24 defeat by Wales]. We’ll balance it out and be a bit more physical because that’s what South Africa did with England.”
Wainiqolo, at 6ft 2in and around 15st 4lb, attributes part of his power, pace and evasiveness to the football drills he still uses. “I played football in school and then was lucky enough to be selected for Fiji’s under-20s,” he recalls. “I trained with players who are now representing Fiji at senior level; some are playing for clubs in New Zealand and Australia. I love the agility training we did—it’s still a big part of my routine. It’s excellent for my ankles, legs, changing direction and sidesteps; I absolutely love it.” Yet, beyond physical prowess, he emphasizes mindset as perhaps the most crucial asset.
He explains that Olympic Sevens was a critical platform to secure a lucrative overseas contract, and as a 22-year-old playing domestically in Fiji and not yet part of the top-tier Sevens circuit, he forced his way into Fiji’s 12-man All-Star squad for Tokyo 2021. A Covid-impacted lead-up turned a one-week training camp into four months away from family as Fiji defended their title. In Japan, Wainiqolo emerged as the team’s top try-scorer, crossing five times to help seal gold. The move he desired soon followed: French heavyweight Toulon snapped him up.
But despite those achievements, the 2024-25 season marked another turning point, a moment that underscored his ambition to elevate his career and his profile—both on the rugby pitch and in search of broader recognition. His journey from the football fields of Fiji to the glittering arenas of European rugby has been defined by a blend of athletic versatility, relentless drive, and a mindset geared toward continuous improvement. As he continues to push the boundaries, Wainiqolo remains a compelling figure for fans across both codes, illustrating how athletic talent can translate across sports and how dedication to training, agility, and strategic thinking can prop up even the boldest career pivots.