AT just 16-years-old, Kalisiana Nabuca has been turning heads with her courage, discipline and deep love for the game at the 17th Fiji Bitter Savusavu 7s, standing tall as one of the youngest female players in the tournament.
The Year 11 student of Saint Bedes College is the younger of two siblings and proudly wears the number six jersey in the forwards for Loloma Heights, fearlessly taking on opponents well beyond her years.
What makes her journey even more remarkable is that she shares the field with her older sister in the same team.
Raised in a hardworking household, Nabuca draws strength from her parents, with her mother employed by the Savusavu Town Council and her father earning a living as a farmer.
She says their unwavering support has played a major role in helping her chase her rugby dream, even as she balances the demands of school and sport.
Her competitive rugby journey only began last year when she joined Loloma Heights 1, but her passion for the game was ignited long before that.
“I’ve always loved playing rugby,” she said.
“Even before I joined the team, I enjoyed watching and playing whenever I could. Last year was when I really got the chance to be part of a team.”
Despite being new to the competitive scene, Nabuca has shown maturity well beyond her years, holding her own in the forwards against older and more experienced players with composure and grit.
However, her journey on the rugby field has not been without its challenges.
She admits that juggling schoolwork and rugby can be demanding, particularly with a strict training schedule that leaves little room for rest.
From Monday to Saturday, she trains every morning and afternoon, committing herself fully to both her education and her sporting ambitions.
“There are times when it’s hard to balance school and rugby,” she said.
“But I try my best to stay focused because school is important too.”
That balance was put to the test on Friday when she was unable to take the field due to school commitments.
Still in her school uniform, she and her sister rushed straight to Ganilau Park after classes to support their teammates from the sidelines.
“I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t play yesterday, but I was happy to come and support the girls,” she said.
Her patience was rewarded yesterday when she finally took the field at the Savusavu 7s — an experience she described as both special and motivating.
“I’m really grateful for the exposure this tournament gives me,” she said.
“Playing here helps me learn and improve, and it motivates me to work harder.”
Nabuca is now setting her sights on representing Loloma Heights at upcoming Fiji Bitter 7s tournaments over the next few months, with a long-term dream firmly in place — earning a spot in the Fijian Drua Women’s squad.
“That’s my goal,” she said quietly but confidently.
