Tenby United RFC are flying high in Division Four West of the National Leagues. A great mix of experience and youth has produced some entertaining displays of running rugby, reminiscent of days gone by with great players such as Sonny Perkins, Bryant Hawker and, more recently, Ben Childs and Gavin Scotcher.
The man behind this resurgence in Pembrokeshire rugby is ex-Fijian international second row forward, Emori Sarogo Katalau.
Born on April 9, 1967, in Rakiraki, a district in Fiji's RA Province, Emori represented Fiji through all age groups before leaving to play a higher standard of rugby in New Zealand in his mid-teens. It was a big step for a youngster, but he was determined to follow his dream. He signed for North Island Poverty Bay and went on to play for their provincial side North Harbour in the famous NPC competition under the watchful eye of All Blacks legend, Wayne 'Buck' Shelford.
Emori flourished under Buck's leadership and was soon spotted by the Fijian national selectors and booked his place in the 1995 World Cup squad. Emori went on to accumulate 47 international caps, including a second World Cup in 2003.
He played against all the top international teams, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, as well as all the home nations, also captaining his own nation on more than one occasion.
After asking Emori who was his most respected opponent, he replied the Australian second row and World Cup winning captain, John Eales.
While still an international, Emori decided to move his family to the United Kingdom, and signed for the English side Exeter Chiefs, but it wasn't long before he settled in 'God's own land of Wales', signing for the then high-flying Dunvant, near Swansea.
After a few successful seasons with the Broadacre club, Emori moved to Llanelli with Welsh legend Scott Quinell as captain. Unfortunately, Emori suffered a bad knee injury during his second game against Cross Keys, which ruled him out for the whole season. While injured, the Scarlets signed Kiwi Craig Gillies to take over from the 'Big Man'.
An up-and-coming Narberth side got to hear of his availability and snapped him up quickly. Emori soon stole the hearts of the home fans and became a legend amongst Tenby's fiercest rivals!
After many happy and successful years at Narberth, he decided to 'hang up his boots' and embark on a coaching career, having made numerous friends around the county, including a few in Tenby.
Tenby were then fortunate enough that the vastly experienced Katalau chose the Seasiders to pass on his knowledge. He has been in control of Tenby United RFC's 1st XV squad for two seasons now and his great nature and fun-loving personality makes him a great hit with everyone involved in the club. Emori has time for all, from the youngest of supporters through to the most senior, with whom he enjoys a natter.
He is greatly respected by all the players at the club.
His experience and popularity have also been recognised again by the Fijian Rugby Union as, during the last few months, he has been involved in preparing European-based Fijians for this year's World Cup in New Zealand. Ironic that he will go back to where he first began his rugby career to again help his home nation. We just hope he goes easy on the Welsh team in the group stages of the competition!
Emori Sarogo Katalau is now turning into a Tenby great and is still occasionally donning his kit again at the age of 44 to help out Tenby's 1st XV when needed.
Tenby is lucky to have some real young talent, such as Toby and Sam Smith, Lewis Davies, Jason Ronowitz and Dan Thomas, coupled with the calibre and experience of Gavin Brace, Scott Payne, Tom Lewis and such a quality of young talent being nurtured by the mini and youth sections; they will only benefit with Emori at the helm. He is a credit to his family, his players and the town of Tenby.
With four league games remaining and promotion to division three in sight, the people of Tenby are now being asked to back the team and the legend that is Emori.