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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Lance corporal Semesa "Roko" Rokoduguni (born 28 August 1987) is a professional rugby union player. He currently plays for Doncaster Knights in England. Before this, he played for the English club Bath.
Rokoduguni is also an active soldier in the British Army. He even served in Afghanistan. He played four games for England between 2014 and 2017. He was born in Fiji but could play for England because he lived there while serving in the Army.
Semesa Rokoduguni's Rugby Journey
Playing for Clubs
Early Days at Lytchett Minster RFC
Semesa Rokoduguni joined Lytchett Minster RFC in February 2008. This was while he was training with the army. He played for just over a year. He played in the centre position. He scored many tries and helped the club get promoted.
Serving the Army Rugby Team
Rokoduguni has played for the Army Rugby Union team. He also played for a German team called DRC Hannover. In the 2011-2012 season, he played for the Army twice. He scored four tries against the RAF. He also scored three tries against the Navy.
He also played for the Army Sevens team. This team plays a faster version of rugby. They played in the Middlesex Sevens and the International Defence Sevens. The Army team won the International Defence Sevens.
Time with Bath Rugby
In October 2012, Rokoduguni signed a big contract with Bath. He had impressed them while playing for their second team, Bath United.
Rokoduguni played his first game for Bath on November 10, 2012. This was in an LV= Cup match. He scored a try after only 9 minutes. He ended the game with two tries.
In May 2015, Rokoduguni played on the wing in the Premiership final. Bath played against Saracens. Bath lost the game 28-16.
Playing in France with Montauban
On June 17, 2022, Rokoduguni left Bath after 10 years. He joined the French team Montauban. They play in the Pro D2 competition. He played for them for two seasons. His team managed to stay in the Pro D2 league.
Joining Doncaster Knights
On July 11, 2024, it was announced that Rokoduguni signed with Doncaster Knights. This is a rugby club in South Yorkshire, England.
Playing for England
His First Games for England
In January 2014, Rokoduguni was chosen for the England Saxons squad. This team prepares for matches against other national teams.
On November 8, 2014, Rokoduguni played his first game for England. They lost to New Zealand 21-24. This was part of the 2014 Autumn Internationals. He was the first active British soldier to play for England since 1999.
In 2015, Rokoduguni was called up for the England Rugby World Cup Squad. This happened after another player moved to a French team.
Scoring Tries for England
Here are the tries Semesa Rokoduguni scored for England:
| 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 |
Life Outside Rugby
His Military Service
Rokoduguni is a sniper in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. This is a part of the British Army. He joined the Army in 2007. In 2011, he was sent to Afghanistan. He was part of Operation Herrick.
His Family's Military History
Semesa's great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather, and father all served in the military. This shows a strong family tradition of service.
Semesa's brother, Rupeni Rokoduguni, is also in the British Army. He serves near Inverness. He also loves rugby and plays for Highland Rugby Club.
