Centre Fine Inisi admits he is relishing life at Dragons RFC – as he enjoys juggling life as a professional in Wales and becoming a father for the second time.
Tonga international Inisi has rapidly become a firm favourite with fans at Rodney Parade after his swich to the Men of Gwent in 2025.
The 24-year-old has given a new dimension to the midfield and clocked up 24 games already for the club.
And ahead of the EPCR Challenge Cup fixture with Perpignan, he has reflected on his time in Wales and how he has settled into life in Gwent.
“It’s been good, especially having Diesel (Dale MacLeod) and Filo (Tiatia) and a few familiar faces, plus the new signings like Anzelo (Tuitavuki), Ere (Enari) and Fetuli (Paea) who was here. It's been awesome having them around.
“Initially I was signed on as a winger, but I think we had a few injuries and a spot kind of opened and I took it with both hands and just went along. It’s whatever the team needs.
“There is a good culture here, with what Filo and the coaches have built over the last season and building into this season as well.
“Having Filo and Diesel around kind of made the initial transition to Wales so much easier,” he added.
“It made me feel more comfortable and just allowed me to kind of just focus on putting my best foot forward for the Dragons.
“I was also telling Dale I have never played so much rugby in one year.
“I think I played nearly 30 games last season, including internationals, so it was a bit of a shock to the body.
“But I’m happy to keep going. In the off season you tend to kind of just switch off, and then it's hard to turn it back on, so it’s good to play.”
Dragons kick off the new European season with Top 14 opposition on home soil and Inisi admits last season’s epic run to the semi-finals and the excitement of the competition was fun to be a part of.
“It was a cool experience and my first time. I didn't really know too much about European competition, but the energy that was around here at Ystrad and at Rodney was great,” he said.
“You could just feel the excitement, and all the boys were so excited to play, which kind of led to our prep. All the boys were keen to lock in and just buy into what we were trying to build.
“We always trying to get better every day. The coach is always pushing us to be better versions of yourselves and kind of just never be satisfied with where you're at.
“I think that's what I love about this group. This year we’re not happy with the results.
“Yes, if you asked us before the season, after the first three games we would be in the top eight, we’ be we'll be over the moon.
“But now we're also a bit disappointed in a way. We’re just not being too content, I guess.”
Inisi’s attention will switch soon to international rugby after his recent call-up for Tonga’s upcoming games with Romania, Georgia and Hong Kong in November.
And he admits the prospect of the Rugby World Cup – and clash with Wales - already looms large.
“We have a few little micro chats in the changing room with some of the Wales boys. Just a bit of banter and it'll be an exciting opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the boys,” he said.
“This is the first time we've had a near full strength squad. The past couple of tours have been a mix, but I think because it's near World Cup, everyone's putting their hand up now.
“Hopefully we build strong leading up to the World Cup. The coaching staff have high aspirations and hopefully we can cause a few upsets here and there, we're tracking well.”
But before his departure next month the midfielder has his hands more than full after the arrival of a baby daughter this month.
“It’s a busy house at the moment,” he smiled.
“I had a little girl, Seinimoli is her name, so now we’ve got one boy, one girl. It’s the best of both worlds and we are very happy.”
There is a good culture here, with what Filo and the coaches have built over the last season and building into this season as well...
