THE whistle may signal the start of a match but for 17-year-old Salote Tutudua, it also signals another chance to prove that a dream that once began in Year 8 can lead to the national stage.
The Year 12 student of Lomary Secondary School is currently making her mark at provincial level in the women’s Subrails Marama Cup Championship, where she plays at centre for the Nasinu women’s team. For the young rugby player every match is an opportunity to learn, improve and build the confidence needed to take the next step in her rugby journey.
In an interview with the Times Sport, Tutudua shared her gratitude for playing alongside and against experienced rugby players, noting that the experience motivates her to work harder and become the best version of herself on the field.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in the provincial level. I thank my coaches, family, team and teachers from school they have helped me reach this far,” Tutudua said.
The young lass from Navutulevu Serua also shares that she looks up to Josivini Naihamu, whose rugby journey and performance on the field has inspired her to believe that representing Fiji is a possibility worth working towards.
Her ambition is to one day pull on the white jersey and represent Fiji.
“My goal is to one day make my parents proud and wear the white jersey,” she said.
That goal and her family is what keeps her motivated as she balances her studies with the demands of playing rugby.
Playing at provincial level has given her the chance to experience a higher level of competition and learn from the players and coaches around her.
She also added that being one of the youngest players in the team came with its own challenges, but it has only assured her to work harder and achieve her goals.
“Being the youngest in a team of many experienced players is not easy, but it has only assured me to keep working harder,” she said.
Tutudua also hopes her journey will inspire other young girls, particularly from rural communities to pursue their sporting dreams.
For the young lass her message is simple – “Never give up and chase your dreams”.
