"1,280 minutes of work last season" - Siosaifa Fifita

Center Siosaia Fifita, who transferred from Hanazono Liners last season, made a significant mark in his first year at Toyota Verblitz.

He started all 16 League One matches, completing every game without substitution. That's 1,280 minutes of playtime. That figure speaks for itself in the League where physicality level keeps on rising every year.

He casually said, "I knew it. I’m young (laughs). So, I recover properly."

During his time at Tenri University, he was called up by the Sunwolves. There, he learned the importance of recovery from the senior members. The secret to his resilience is "onsen" (hot springs). There is a hot spring place near his house, and he visits it three times a week during the season. The hot water warms his body, relaxes his muscles, and reduces fatigue. For mental refreshment, he says, “it's kava."

Although kava is often associated with Fiji, it is also familiar in Tonga. Occasionally during the season, his fellow Tongan Vaha (Fetuani Lautaimi) makes it, and they enjoy it with the Tuidraki brothers and William Tupou. "I drink Fijian kava too, but I prefer Tongan kava." It seems the taste reflects each country's character.

Fifita has become an indispensable presence in the midfield, and he has something exciting to look forward to next season, which is the addition of Joseph Manu from the Australian Rugby League team, Sydney Roosters. Fifita has been a big fan of Manu for a while, watching his games online.

"He's an amazing player. When I heard he was coming to Toyota, I got excited. I'll learn a lot from him."

Manu is a utility player who can cover center, wing, and fullback. There’s a strong possibility that the dream midfield combination will come true.

Currently, Fifita is recovering from a leg injury sustained during the Japan national team's training camp. He'll be back by July, but with his wife expecting a child soon, his priority is family. “There’s a lady who helps us with meals. I wash the dishes and clean."

During his time away from the pitch, he went to watch the Japan vs. England match at the National Stadium.

"It was just the first game. I think the Cho-soku (ultra-fast) rugby will explode from here."

Japan national team head coach Eddie Jones told him, "Don't worry about passing. Just play the physical game you showed at Tenri."

"I told Eddie, 'That's my specialty, so just let me do it' (laughs). Eddie's Cho-soku rugby is easy to play, and I think it suits Japan very well."

For now, he'll spend time with his family while progressing with his rehab. Once things settle, he'll return to Japan. By autumn, he'll be teammates with his admired Joseph Manu. The future is limitless.