An upcoming rugby league star from Papua New Guinea joined The University of the South Pacific (USP) Lautoka Campus this year to pursue his tertiary studies at an internationally recognised institution.
Brandon Elder Saun, a Kaiviti Silktails Rugby League Football Club member and a semiprofessional U-21 rugby league club from Fiji, is participating in Australia’s New South Wales Rugby League competition this year.
His father is from the South Islands of PNG, while his mother is an I-Taukei from Cakaudrove.
After completing his Year 13 at the Marist Brothers High School in Suva, Fiji, Brandon embarked on his tertiary education journey with the USP Lautoka Campus as he spends most of his time camping with the Kaiviti Silktails at the Sugar City.
He completed his primary education in PNG and came to Fiji to complete his secondary school learning before pursuing tertiary education.
“It was at Marist that I developed a love for rugby. After playing rugby union initially, I was more inclined towards rugby league.”
“However, whilst developing a career in rugby league, I want to balance it with my academic career. Rugby league is my passion, but proper education is a must to sustain life after rugby.”
The PNG lad enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science programme because of his love for the environment.
“I took Agriculture studies in high school and enjoyed learning about agricultural practices, farming and the environment. This was where my passion for the environment started.”
He is optimistic that he will enjoy his study and academic journey at USP, grow his knowledge and be able to balance his passion for sports and intellectual pursuits.
