Ahead of the New Season: Catching Up with Dominiko Manaseitava
Dominiko Manaseitava discusses his Bridgend journey, standout debut, lessons learned and goals for the upcoming Super Rygbi Cymru season.
Photo credit: Leighton Davies
The new rugby season is rapidly approaching, and the Super Rygbi Cymru is about to enter its third instalment. Many players will be eager to make an impact in the competition. At the Brewery Field, Dominiko Manaseitava will be aiming to build on his form at the end of last season and deliver some big performances for Bridgend.
Excited to be at the Brewery Field
After his time with Cardiff Met, Manaseitava featured for the Ravens and is excited for his first full season at the Brewery Field. Representing his hometown is something special, not least because he is following in the footsteps of many greats who have worn the iconic Bridgend shirt before.
“I’m really excited to see what next season brings. I had such a good time with the Ravens towards the end of last season, so I can’t wait for the new campaign to get started.”
He also competed in a huge play-off game against Aberavon. The rain was beating down on the pitch as both teams were hunting for a place in the quarter-finals. It was a razor-thin contest and a real challenge for both teams. Bridgend edged it 15-14 in a memorable clash. Manaseitava came off the bench that day and reflected on the game.
“It was a great feeling to be involved in such an important game with so much on the line. After making my debut the week before, I was really keen to stay involved with the team. The conditions were really tough, and you could tell they affected both sides, so to come away with the win made it even more satisfying.”
Manaseitava also enjoyed a memorable moment in North Wales.
A memorable score in North Wales
Manaseitava made his Ravens debut against RGC, where he went over for a fantastic score that caught the attention of many Welsh rugby fans. He reflected on that try.
“Yeah, it was an unreal feeling to score on my debut in that way. It was also class to see how supportive the boys were afterwards. There’s a real sense of belonging at the club, and that made the moment even more special.”
Even though he has only played a handful of games for the Ravens, the hooker has already learnt a great deal, building on the foundations he developed at Cardiff Met.
Learning and ambitions
“Cardiff Met taught me a lot about maintaining high standards and building good habits. Those are things I’ll always carry with me when it comes to my rugby and overall performance.”
With the Ravens, he has played in some big games and has already produced moments that will live long in the memory. It has already been a valuable learning experience.
“From a rugby perspective, I learned a lot about staying clear and composed under pressure. I think that really helped me stay connected with the team in training and during the few games I played, especially as I was still new to the group.”
In terms of his ambitions, his goal is clear: to perform.
“For me, it’s all about performing consistently week in, week out. Every game brings different challenges, but I want to keep performing at a high level and prove myself in the SRC.”
The new rugby season is fast approaching, and Manaseitava is ready to embrace the challenge. With ambition and unwavering determination, he will be looking to make every opportunity count.
Curious about who’s behind the content? Check out our About Us page or visit our Join The Team page to get involved.
Family, Rugby, and Belonging: The Story of Dominiko Manaseitava
A profile of Cardiff Met rugby player Dominiko Manaseitava, exploring family, youth rugby, and the sense of belonging that shapes his game.
Image credit: @CardiffMetSport/Carl Robertson
“It’s truly a sense of belonging.”
That was Cardiff Met’s Dominiko Manaseitava talking about what rugby truly means to him. We all search for outlets that bring joy and allow us to be our best selves. For the players who take to the pitch, rugby provides the platform to do just that. Manaseitava, looking to play the game to the best of his abilities, has a deep passion for rugby.
Beginning
His father, Tevita Manaseitava, moved to Wales from Fiji. He represented sides like Pyle RFC and the Bridgend Bulls. Manaseitava produced some memorable moments for those teams, in particular a great assist against the Newport Titans. The game turned on a spark of brilliance, as Manaseitava read the play, intercepted, and surged through the Newport defence. His perfectly weighted offload to Arran Warner sealed a commanding victory for Bridgend.
Hailing from Bridgend, where rugby is ingrained in the fabric of the place, Dom Manaseitava learned the game. He did so across the country at historic clubs, developing his fundamentals at Bridgend Sports and Kenfig Hill. What is learned on cold Sundays goes a long way towards shaping who a player becomes. Manaseitava also attended Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, a school that was home to the likes of Dewi Lake, Owen Watkin, and Tom Florence.
Passion and joy define youth rugby, where the love of the game is cemented. For him, those formative moments came at Porthcawl RFC.
Youth rugby at Porthcawl RFC
During the youth years, rugby becomes deeply embedded in a player’s being. The camaraderie and team spirit over those formative years represent what rugby is all about. As stated before, Porthcawl is where Manaseitava played his youth rugby. In the crowded Bridgend rugby scene, clubs like Porthcawl are often overlooked. But the history tells a different story: a club forged in grit and pride, producing British & Irish Lions and thriving on the art of punching above its weight. Following in the footsteps of fantastic competitors such as Clive Williams, Daffydd Jenkins, and Tom Prydie, Manaseitava represented Porthcawl. He talks about the club.
“We were all really good mates, good coaches, all really enjoyable. We were a good team, and that makes it enjoyable when you are winning games. We had excellent coaches, the likes of Ryan Bevington and Simon Norris, who really helped my game.”
It was a good team that was very difficult to beat. Simon Norris talks about the team, and how a moment from a budding Welsh international denied them a spot in the Ospreys Premiership.
“That team had some very talented players in it, along with Dom. There was Sol Kembrey, a flanker named Ongani Kalongo who represented Boys’ Clubs of Wales that season — they went on to win the Ospreys Championshipthat season, not losing a game. We just missed out on a place in the Ospreys Premiership thanks to a last-minute drop goal from a certain Dan Edwards.”
When it was time to choose a university, Manaseitava decided that Cardiff Met was the right fit for him.
Cardiff Met
Cardiff Met’s rugby programme has grown into a proving ground, a place where ambition is sharpened and emerging talent is pushed to new levels. Its reputation has been built on development and belief. 2022 marked his arrival at Cyncoed Campus. During his university career, he has competed in both Super BUCS and the Welsh domestic leagues. Facing the UK’s next generation on Wednesdays and iconic Welsh sides like Pontypridd, Merthyr, or Cross Keys on Saturdays quickly builds a wealth of experience.
Recently, Manaseitava took to the Arms Park, starting in the famous ‘Cardiff Clash’, where Cardiff Met beat Cardiff University 31–29, backing up a 56-28 earlier in the season. Cardiff Met means a lot to Manaseitava; he elaborates on his love for the university and playing in two high-level competitions.
“It’s the closest thing to a professional set-up. The access we have is incredible. From analysis to coaching, it’s great. BUCS is fast-paced. Compared to the Welsh Premiership, which is a bit more physical. That’s where you have to front, as a player and a team.”
Cardiff Met proved to be a stellar place to develop one’s rugby. Looking towards the future, it’s all about enjoyment for Manaseitava.
“I will keep enjoying the process, and I will take the opportunities if they arise, but it’s all about enjoyment.”
Built on family and fuelled by joy, Manaseitava plays the game for the purest reasons.
Curious about who’s behind the content? Check out our About Us page or visit our Join The Team page to get involved.