Iosefo Masi Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Iosefo Masi

Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, widely known as Iosefo Masi, is a distinguished Fijian professional rugby player who has achieved remarkable success in both rugby sevens and rugby union. Hailing from the island of Taveuni, Masi has become a household name in Fiji and the international rugby community. His journey is a compelling story of talent, perseverance, and dedication, which has seen him reach the pinnacle of the sport, including winning an Olympic gold medal. Known for his explosive power, agility, and try-scoring prowess, he has earned the nickname “the Slice Man” for his ability to cut through defensive lines. Masi’s career is a testament to his versatility, having also had a brief stint in professional rugby league before making a significant impact in the 15-a-side game. His contributions to the Fiji national teams and his club sides have solidified his reputation as one of Fiji’s most exciting rugby talents.

Iosefo Masi Overview

Early Life and Education of Iosefo Masi

Iosefo Masi was born on May 9, 1998, in the serene village of Waitabu on the island of Taveuni, often referred to as the ‘Garden Island’ of Fiji. He is the eldest child of Atonio Kawakawa and Aqela Nukunawa. Growing up in a humble environment, Masi’s early life was deeply rooted in his family and community. His parents’ hard work and prayers have been a constant source of motivation for him throughout his life. Interestingly, his initial sporting passion was not rugby but football (soccer), which he played predominantly during his primary school years at an Indo-Fijian school where rugby was not a focus.

Masi’s journey into rugby began to take shape when he attended Holy Cross College in Wairiki, Taveuni. It was here that he started to develop an interest in the oval ball game. To further his rugby development and education, he made the significant move to Suva, Fiji’s capital. He attended Suva Grammar School in 2016, where he played for the under-18 team in the prestigious Deans competition, reaching the quarter-finals. He later moved to Nasinu Secondary School in 2017, where he continued to hone his skills in both rugby union and rugby league. Despite his growing talent, his secondary school rugby career was not as decorated as some of his future national teammates.

Masi’s commitment to his education ran parallel to his sporting ambitions. He enrolled at the Fiji National University (FNU) in the Bachelor of Science in Forestry program. He successfully graduated in 2022, a testament to his discipline and ability to balance demanding studies with a burgeoning professional sports career. Juggling his academic responsibilities with training was challenging, often requiring him to miss classes, but he persevered, understanding the importance of both his education and his rugby aspirations. His father recalls the family’s sacrifices, including not owning a television and having to take a young Iosefo to other houses to watch early morning and late-night rugby matches, which undoubtedly fueled his passion.

Iosefo Masi’s Career

Iosefo Masi’s professional rugby career is a showcase of his exceptional talent and adaptability across different formats of the game. His ascent to the elite level began in the vibrant domestic sevens circuit in Fiji. Playing for the renowned Tabadamu 7s team from 2017 to 2020, he made a significant impression. A standout performance at the 2020 Fiji Bitter Marist 7s, where he scored a hat-trick in one match and helped his team to victory, caught the attention of national selectors.

This led to his selection for the Fiji national sevens team in 2021. The pinnacle of his sevens career came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), where he was a key member of the gold medal-winning squad. Despite fracturing his hand in an early match, he showed immense resilience to return and contribute to Fiji’s historic victory. He continued to be a vital part of the sevens setup, winning another gold medal at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town and a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

In late 2021, Masi embarked on a new challenge, switching codes to rugby league. He signed a train-and-replacement contract with the North Queensland Cowboys in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL). During 2022, he trained with the Cowboys’ first-grade squad and gained valuable experience playing for their feeder club, the Townsville Blackhawks, in the Queensland Cup. This period broadened his skillset and exposed him to a different professional environment.

However, his heart remained in rugby union, and in 2022, Masi returned to the 15-a-side game, signing with the Fijian Drua for their inaugural season in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. This move proved to be a masterstroke for both player and club. Masi quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous attacking players in the competition. His powerful running, ability to break tackles, and clinical finishing made him a fan favourite and a crucial player for the Drua. He played a significant role in the team reaching the quarter-finals in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His exceptional form was highlighted by a memorable hat-trick against Moana Pasifika.

His stellar performances for the Drua earned him a call-up to the Flying Fijians, Fiji’s national 15s team, in 2022. He has since become a regular in the national side, participating in major tournaments like the 2023 Rugby World Cup. In 2025, Masi took the next step in his club career, signing for Lyon Olympique Universitaire in France’s prestigious Top 14 competition, where he continued to showcase his try-scoring abilities in one of the world’s toughest domestic leagues.

Iosefo Masi Personal Life & Family

Iosefo Masi’s personal life is characterized by his deep-seated family values and his humble nature. He is the eldest son of Atonio Kawakawa and Aqela Nukunawa, and he often credits his parents’ prayers and sacrifices as the bedrock of his success. The struggles his family endured during his upbringing in Taveuni serve as a powerful motivator for him, both on and off the field. He has spoken about his desire to support his aging parents, as their primary source of income from farming has become more challenging for them. His mother, Aqela, is his biggest fan and has been a constant presence, supporting him since his early playing days, even standing in the rain to watch his matches.

Masi is known for being a down-to-earth and approachable individual, qualities that have endeared him to fans. Despite his fame and achievements, including an Olympic gold medal, he has not been carried away by success. He is a firm believer in putting God first and in the value of hard work, principles he often shares with aspiring young players. He has a brother, Filipe Sauturaga, who is also a notable rugby player. Details regarding his marital status or romantic relationships are not publicly known. Masi is a role model for many young boys in his home village, whom he encourages never to give up on their dreams. He is also known to enjoy the company of children and has a passion for travel.

Awards and Achievements of Iosefo Masi

• Olympic Games Gold Medal (Rugby Sevens) – 2020 Tokyo
• Rugby World Cup Sevens Gold Medal – 2022 Cape Town
• Olympic Games Silver Medal (Rugby Sevens) – 2024 Paris
• Fiji Airways Men’s Player of the Year (Fijian Drua Awards) – 2024
• Times Sport Men’s Players’ Player of the Year (Fijian Drua Awards) – 2024
• Pacific Nations Cup Winner – 2022, 2024
• Winner of the 44th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s with Tabadamu – 2020

Iosefo Masi Net Worth and Income

Information regarding Iosefo Masi’s precise net worth and income is not publicly disclosed. As a professional rugby player competing at the highest levels, his earnings are derived from his contracts with his club, Lyon Olympique Universitaire in the Top 14, and previously with the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby. Additional income likely comes from match fees and bonuses for his appearances with the Fijian national teams (both sevens and fifteens). While there were reports of him turning down lucrative overseas offers after his Olympic success in 2021 to continue his studies and play for Fiji, his move to the French Top 14 in 2025 signifies a substantial professional contract, which is typical for a player of his calibre in that league. However, without official figures, any estimation of the Iosefo Masi net worth would be purely speculative.

Legacy and Influence

Iosefo Masi’s legacy is already significant, despite his career being far from over. He is a source of immense inspiration for aspiring athletes in Fiji and across the Pacific Islands. His journey from a small village in Taveuni to the global stage of the Olympics and professional rugby serves as a powerful message that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Masi’s ability to successfully transition between rugby sevens, rugby league, and rugby union underscores his exceptional athleticism and deep understanding of the game, making him a versatile and highly respected player.

His character has also played a crucial role in shaping his public image. Known for his humility and strong family values, he is seen as a role model who embodies the best qualities of a Fijian athlete. He has demonstrated a commitment to his education by completing his university degree while pursuing a professional sports career, highlighting the importance of personal development beyond the field. Masi’s success with the Fijian Drua has been instrumental in the team’s growth and competitiveness in Super Rugby Pacific, helping to showcase the depth of talent within Fiji. His explosive playing style and friendly demeanor have made him a fan favourite, contributing to the growing popularity of the Drua and Fijian rugby as a whole.

Interesting Facts about Iosefo Masi

• His first love in sports was football (soccer), and he only began to take rugby seriously after playing for his college team.
• He is nicknamed “the Slice Man” for his uncanny ability to slice through defensive lines.
• He successfully balanced his final year of a Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree at Fiji National University with his commitments to the national sevens team leading up to the Tokyo Olympics.
• He is known to be a big fan of eating, with chicken feet being a particular favourite.
• As a child, his family did not own a television, so his father would take him to other houses to watch international rugby matches.
• Before becoming a household name, he played for the local sevens club, Tabadamu.

Controversies

In April 2025, Iosefo Masi was stood down by his club, the Fijian Drua, following an allegation of assault against his de facto partner. The club confirmed the matter was being handled by the relevant authorities and chose not to comment further to avoid interfering with the judicial process.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not disclosed
• Twitter – Information not disclosed
• YouTube – Not publicly available

Final Words about Iosefo Masi

Iosefo Masi’s biography is a compelling narrative of a young man from a humble background who has risen to become a star in the world of rugby. His journey is marked by significant achievements, including Olympic gold and silver medals and a successful professional career across different formats of the game. He represents the heart and soul of Fijian rugby: naturally gifted, fiercely competitive, yet grounded in faith and family. His transition to the highly competitive French Top 14 league is the latest chapter in his evolving career, where he continues to test his skills against some of the best players in the world. As he looks towards the future, with aspirations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Iosefo Masi’s influence on and off the field is set to grow, further cementing his legacy as one of Fiji’s finest rugby talents and a true inspiration for the next generation.