At 37 years old, Filorina Kasami’s rugby career is only beginning.
Kasami featured prominently for the FMF Suva women’s team this season as they defended the ANZ Marama Championship for the third year in a row.
Her efforts at the front-row did not go unnoticed as she was recognised on Saturday night as the I.Naiveli and Co Chartered Account Most Improved Player of the season in the senior team.
Kasami who hails from Namatakula in Baravi, Nadroga had just started playing rugby at the age of 31.
“I could say I started late because after Year 12 I left school and was at the village full time. An uncle of mine, Luke Erenavula told me that I can’t stay in the village and do nothing all my life, he said I could do something worthwhile, and he introduced me to rugby,” she shared.
Her uncle, Erenavula was a former Fiji 7s star that helped the nation win the Melrose Cup in 1997.
He was 32 at the time and now his niece is following in his footsteps.
“There were a lot of critics when I started playing rugby. Some said it wasn’t a suitable sport for me to play because I am a woman, but I pursued it regardless because I knew the talent that I have and the belief that one day I will don the white jumper.
Kasami joined the Marist Rugby club and worked her way into the main Suva team where she made her debut in 2022.
“Everything happens according to God’s timing. I am at an age where people would not expect me to play rugby, but I thank God for giving me the talent and strength to be part of this team, and win the Marama Championship for three years in a row.
“I hope for a greater opportunity, I have a family with three kids who have always supported me throughout my career,” she added.
Meanwhile, the most improved player in the under-20 team was awarded to former Suva Sangam Student Naomi Raqauqau.
