The Tudreu family in Nadi are looking forward to the ITM Cup championship final between Hawkes Bay and Manawatu Makos at Palmerston North on Friday.

Tudreu brothers Nathan and Newton will feature for the Makos.

Daphne Tudreu shared with SUNsports yesterday how proud she and husband Isei Tudreu were of their boys.

“We’re all so excited for this game. It’s even more special because they’ll be playing together so we’re so excited and so proud of them,”she said.

“This is great for us as a family and we’re just so proud on how far they’ve come and their talents were recognised so quickly.

“Some of our family will be travelling to New Zealand to watch the game but unfortunately my husband and I can’t go.

“We’ll be supporting them nonetheless and we’re looking forward to the final.”

The former school teacher insisted her sons inherited their sporting talents from their father who had previously represented Nadi.

“My husband was a top sprinter and captained the Ratu Kadavulevu School rugby team from his junior year right through to his senior year as headboy of the Tailevu school. So it’s safe to say they got their sporting talents from their father.

“They didn’t play at competition level in high school because they went to a private school but they did play in the local club. Newton played for an adult club because they didn’t have any age grades club and they’d bring him in during games on the weekends.

“I personally never imagined either of them taking up rugby professionally. They’re both in university so it really was a surprise but it’s worked out well so far and we’re proud how far they’ve come.

“It’s even better that they’ve managed to secure contracts with the same team and are playing together.

“They’ve both worked really hard and it’s great to see their efforts paying off. One of the things I’ve always tried to emphasize is God gave them that talent so they must maximise that talent to the best of their ability.”

The championship final is set to start at 7.35pm.

Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj