Young Gun: Joe Cokanasiga – London Irish wing

Joe Cokanasiga smashed his way through junior rugby, but after a few months training full-time with the London Irish senior squad he has had to learn new tricks.
Standing at 6ft4in and tipping the scales at 17st (110 kg), it was easy for the 18-year-old to run over kids his own age rather than around them.
But, as it is often the case with Pacific Islanders, his pace is nothing to be sniffed at and, under the guidance of the Exiles’ senior wingers, he has become a much tougher player to defend against.
“I used to run directly at people trying to impose my physicality but I’ve got a bit of speed too so I’m working hard on the best way to mix them up,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“I’ve had to change my game because I’m not the biggest anymore and the coaches have told me to use my step more. That way I can get more space on the defender and even if I don’t beat him at least I’ll win the collision.
“I often try to be more physical at the start of the game to make a mark on the opposition. It’s a good way to hold them up in the line and then I bring my step in to catch them unaware and go around them.
“Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Topsy Ojo and Sean Maitland have been great with me since I joined the Academy full-time this summer. They always give me tips and sometimes even stay late to do some extras with me.”
Cokanasiga was born in Fiji but moved to England aged three to follow his father Ilaitia who was in the Army. Tours to Germany and Brunei followed before returning to the UK in 2013.
He spent more time playing football growing up but it was in Brunei that rugby took over.
“My dad played for the Army vets and I managed to play with him when we were in Brunei. We formed the midfield partnership with him inside and me at No.13.
“I played in the centre a lot growing up and it’s great to get your hands on the ball but I think wing is the position for me.
“I’m currently heavily involved with London Irish playing in both the U18s Academy league as well as the A-League. But I might be going on loan to the London Irish Wild Geese who play in National League Three.
“I started playing senior rugby for Old Merchant Taylor’s when I was 16 so I’m used to senior rugby a bit but the A-League is definitely a step up.
“I’ve already had a couple of camps with England U18s this season too so I hope to get involved in the games during the Six Nations as well as the tour in the Southern Hemisphere next summer.”