A rugby union legend is now tackling a career in security with a Stoke-on-Trent-based company.
Akapusi ‘Q’ Qera, who won 65 international caps and captained Fiji several times, has moved to the Potteries to join Black Onyx Concepts (BOC) – a one stop shop security services provider.
The talented flanker, who tried a number of jobs after retiring from professional rugby – including a spell in the Fijian Police Force – believes he now has a role which shares many of his skills and values.
As a veteran-owned and led company, BOC has built a reputation for its support of the veteran community. This has always included several Fijians from a range of British military backgrounds.
The growing company says one of its many challenges is recruitment of further quality operators – and this is where Q has added value.
While not a veteran himself, Q has adopted an ambassadorial role for the company and enabled them to tap further into the Fijian network as well as attract interest from service leavers.
This was demonstrated recently when he helped run a Black Onyx stand at a British Force Resettlement Services event at Staffordshire County Showground. His presence attracted interest of service leavers and led to the recruitment of new starters.
Q said: “It was a bit of a shock leaving professional rugby where you have so much done for you and your days and weeks are mapped out ahead. I see service leavers as having the same challenge and I want to feel I can support them as they transition.
“Since moving to Stoke, I entered into a role with Black Onyx Concepts that shares many of the values and skills that policing and professional rugby taught me such as discipline, communication, leadership and personal responsibility.”
Q who also notched up three Barbarian appearances and a career at some of Europe’s top clubs including Gloucester, has moved his family to the area where he is now part of a vibrant Stoke-on-Trent Fijian community.
