Nukubalavu village has produced its first women’s rugby team, an initiative drawn from the achievements of their three sons who represented Fiji in Dubai.
Fiji players Ioane Teba, Ioane Raturaciri and Daniele Yaya hail from Nukubalavu Village in Savusavu and were part of the Dubai Sevens team.
The team known as St Teresa travelled to Wairiki with 15 players.
Team coach Sai Johnson said the village had some good players who represented the Cakaudrove women’s rugby team.
“The inclusion of three players from this village in the national squad challenged many and it prompted us to form the women’s team,” she said.
“If the men can become national reps then the women of this village can also achieve the same.
“We have good players in this team with two who have already travelled to New Caledonia for rugby games.”
Team captain Kesaia Visawaqa, who has also played provincial rugby, believes this initiative would produce some future Fijiana reps.
“Its great to have a women’s rugby team because it will develop our skills and improve our rugby as well.
“Rugby has also become employment for many Fijians so for some of us this is an area we will pursue as a career.”
The village elders have agreed to form this team and we were supported to be part of this Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s Carnival.
