Faalava Toetu used to run around barefoot and throw around a plastic bottle for a rugby ball. Little did he know that this path would lead him to don the national jumper.

The 20-year-old halfback is the youngest player in the Manu Samoa squad. 

"I started playing rugby at our village in Fagamalo, Savaii with a plastic bottle and no sports shoes on. To be honest, I was never really into rugby, it was more of my brothers' thing," he said. 

"But seeing my late dad enjoying watching our national teams play on television, and also he was always present at my brothers' game to see them play. It kind of gave me an idea to give it a go."

"I played for Tutagaovaaloa Primary School in Fagamalo, then Itu o Tane College for U18 where I was selected to play in the school's Super Four. I was selected for the U18 tours to New Zealand but I decided to take on the U20 call. 

"After our U20 tournament in Scotland, I came back to Samoa and went to Savaii, and that was when the Tamauli coach, Junior Salima took me under his wing, and helped me with my rugby career.

"I had the greatest support group as I take on this rugby journey. I played back then with sport shoes covered with plasters as the shoes had a lot of holes. So coach Junior and my older brother helped me in terms of the rugby side of things. 

"But I had my mother, Laumua Toetu as my financial support. I was in Savaii when Mase called me to join their training session at Sapapalii for the Manu Samoa. It was a dream come true for me as the main purpose I played rugby was to make it to the Manu Samoa squad, and here I am. I am just grateful and proud to be here."

Faalava was emotional when he spoke of his late father Toetu Tuamasaga, as he was the main reason why he decided to stick to rugby in the first place. His father's dream was to see one of his sons wear the blue jersey. His dream came true but he isn't around to see it. Faalava is from Fagamalo Savaii and Malie.

He also acknowledged the support of his spiritual father Reverend Taulatoga Viliamu who was always there to advise and encourage him as he took on his journey. He said that Reverend Taulatoga always told him to be patient, play smart, and always keep God at the forefront of his preparations.

Faalava is grateful to all the people who have contributed to his journey and he hopes to make them proud as he puts on the blue jersey. He gave credit to the Manu Samoa head coach, Mase Mahonri Schwalger and the management for the opportunity to be a part of the team. 

He believes that it was a golden opportunity for him to be able to train together with some of the best players in Samoa and overseas.