Debutant Ilisapeci Bari is filled with pride as she prepares to represent her country and the Fiji Bulikula team at the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championships.
The 19-year-old rising star from Tavua expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill her dream of playing rugby for her country, a dream she shared with her grandmother.
Bari comes from a family with a strong rugby background, with her father, Manasa Bari, having played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby as well as representing Fiji in the 7s team.
“I’m overwhelmed and grateful for the opportunity, it was me and my grandmothers dream to represent my country, especially in rugby,” said Bari.
“Since dad is also a rugby player so feels great to follow on my dad’s legacy.”
Excited about the prospect of representing her country, Bari is determined to make both her country and her family proud with her performance on the field.
“My target I set is to make my country proud and my family, that will be watching, I’m getting a lot of pressure coming into the match, and great to have the support of my family that keeps me going.
Her father, upon learning the news of her selection to the team, expressed his happiness and pride in seeing his daughter follow in his footsteps.
“When the news came to my dad, he was happy, because to have one of his kids to represent Fiji is something special, and at a young age, so he was really proud.”
He reminded her that everything happens according to God’s plan, instilling in her the belief that she is destined for greatness.
At 6pm, the Fiji Bulikula hosts the Cook Islands while the Vodafone Fiji Bati takes on the Cook Islands as well at 8.10pm, which will be held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
