Fijiana 15s representative Atelaite Buna sacrificed her New Year’s celebration to be home in Nadi, dedicating herself to daily training exercises in preparation for the upcoming season.
The Kese, Naviti, Yasawa native embarked on her rugby journey in 2022, unsuspectingly drawn into the sport by a friend who lured her to watch a training session without revealing its rugby nature.
To her surprise, she was handed a boot and encouraged to join in.
“So, it was one day in 2022, my friend called me for us to go and watch a training session.
She didn’t tell me it was rugby training and by the time we reached Prince Charles Park, she threw me a boot to join the training.
“I joined the training and started to enjoy rugby,” Buna said.
She joined Tagimoucia Ranadi Rugby Club and played in a few local 7s tournaments and was scouted for Nadi women’s 15s side.
Last year, she made her international debut in Japan and toured to Dubai.
Buna expressed her gratitude for her supportive family, especially her parents, who, despite her desire to celebrate New Year’s in the village, insisted she focus on training.
“I was told by my parents to just forget about New Year’s celebration and focus on my career and I’m loving my pre-season program.
“Everyone is aiming for the Drua jersey this season and so am I,” Buna added.
The 23-year-old, with maternal ties to Navatulevu, Narewa in Nadi, was a former Jasper Williams High School athlete, achieving gold in the 4×400 metres relay senior girls and silver in the 100m in 2018.
As the eldest of three siblings, she draws inspiration from her family, with her father being a significant supporter.
“My dad is very supportive of me. The day we flew to Japan he took his day off from work just to come to airport and farewell me.
My parents struggle a lot for us,” she emotionally said.
She aims to secure an overseas contract and help her parents.
