Semesa Rokoduguni facts for kids
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| Date of birth | 28 August 1987 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Nausori, Fiji | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 98 kg (15 st 6 lb; 216 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Semesa "Roko" Rokoduguni, born on August 28, 1987, is a professional rugby union player. He is known for playing as a centre or wing. Currently, he plays for the Doncaster Knights in England. Before that, he was a key player for Bath.
What makes Semesa special is that he is also a soldier in the British Army. He has served his country, including a tour in Afghanistan. He was born in Fiji but qualified to play for England because he lived there while serving in the Army. He played for the England team five times between 2014 and 2017.
Contents
Playing for Rugby Clubs
Early Days in Rugby
Semesa Rokoduguni started his rugby journey with Lytchett Minster RFC in February 2008. This was while he was training with the army. He played for just over a year, mostly as a centre. He scored many tries and helped his club get promoted to Hampshire 1.
Playing for the Army
Rokoduguni also played for the Army Rugby Union team. He showed his skills in the 2011-2012 season. He scored four tries against the RAF team and three against the Navy team. He also played for the Army Sevens team, which won the International Defence Sevens tournament.
Time with Bath Rugby
In October 2012, Bath Rugby signed Rokoduguni to a senior contract. He had impressed them while playing for their second team, Bath United. His first game for Bath's main team was on November 10, 2012. It was an LV= Cup match against Newport Gwent Dragons. He scored two tries in that game, with his first coming after only 9 minutes!
In May 2015, Rokoduguni played on the wing in the Premiership final. Bath played against Saracens. Even though Bath lost the final, Rokoduguni showed great skill.
Moving to Montauban
After ten years with Bath, Rokoduguni left the club on June 17, 2022. He joined the French team Montauban. This team plays in the Pro D2 competition. He played for Montauban for two seasons. The team finished 13th and 15th in those years. They managed to stay in the Pro D2 league by winning a close game 20-19 against RC Narbonne.
Joining Doncaster Knights
On July 11, 2024, it was announced that Rokoduguni had signed with the Doncaster Knights. This team is based in South Yorkshire, England.
Playing for England
England Saxons Squad
In January 2014, Rokoduguni was chosen for the England Saxons squad. This team prepares players for international matches. He was getting ready for a game against the Irish Wolfhounds.
Making His England Debut
On November 8, 2014, Rokoduguni played his first game for the England team. They played against New Zealand and lost 21-24. This was part of the 2014 Autumn Internationals. He was the first soldier serving in the British Army to play for England since Tim Rodber in 1999.
In 2015, Rokoduguni was called up to the England Rugby World Cup Squad. This happened after another player, David Strettle, moved to a French club.
International Tries for England
Semesa Rokoduguni scored four tries while playing for England. Here's a look at his international tries:
| Try | Opposing team | Location | Venue | Competition | Date | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Fiji |
London, England | Twickenham Stadium | 2016 Autumn Internationals | 19 November 2016 | Win | 58 – 15 |
| 2 | |||||||
| 3 |  Argentina |
London, England | Twickenham Stadium | 2017 Autumn Internationals | 11 November 2017 | Win | 21 – 8 |
| 4 |  Samoa |
London, England | Twickenham Stadium | 2017 Autumn Internationals | 25 November 2017 | Win | 48 – 14 |
About His Life
Semesa Rokoduguni is a sniper in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in the British Army. He joined the Army in 2007. In 2011, he was sent to Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick. He worked with the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4SCOTS).
Serving in the military runs in his family. His great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather, and father all served in the armed forces. Semesa's brother, Rupeni Rokoduguni, is also in the British Army. He serves in the Black Watch near Inverness. Rupeni also loves rugby and plays for Highland Rugby Club.
