Kurt Donoghoe Embraces Village Life, Wears Fiji Bati Jersey with Pride

Kurt Donoghoe finds himself deeply moved by the simple, grounded lives of people in the Vanua and his village of Ba. Their way of life reminds him of his roots and fills him with pride, especially as he dons the Vodafone Fiji Bati jersey. Donoghoe’s family ties run deep, with his grandmother, originally from Ba, and connections extending to Savusavu. His recent trip back to Ba allowed him to reconnect with family members he hadn’t seen in years, an experience he describes as meaningful and grounding. This visit also made him long for his grandmother’s presence, as he knows she would have loved to see him play today and witness the passion he brings to the game.

As a hooker for the Dolphins in the NRL, Donoghoe takes on a key role, orchestrating plays and setting up the back line. He is determined to bring that same pride and connection to his heritage when he represents the Fiji Bati against the Cook Islands Aitu at 8:10 p.m. at the HFC Bank Stadium. The weight of his family legacy and the values he’s seen in his community will undoubtedly drive him as he competes, making this more than just a game, but a moment of honour for his people and culture.

[Source: NRL]