FOR the Vodafone Fijiana XV lock Jade Coates, wearing the Fiji jersey is about far more than rugby.
It is a connection to family, heritage and a village thousands of kilometres away from where she was born and raised.
The 27-year-old New Zealand-born forward traces her Fijian roots to Nananu Village in Tailevu, where her grandmother is originally from.
Her father was also born and raised in Fiji before moving to New Zealand at the age of 14.
Now in her fifth year with the Fijiana XV, Coates says she remains grateful for every opportunity to represent the country of her family.
“I’m currently with the Fijiana XV for the fifth year now and, yeah, grateful to be here,” Coates said.
Her journey with Fiji has also been shaped by a strong family influence, particularly from her older sister, former Fijiana representative Brittany Coates.
As the youngest of four siblings, Jade says her sister played a significant role in opening the door for her own international rugby journey.
“My sister’s been a big part of my journey, so it’s been pretty cool that not only she was able to represent Fiji, but she opened that door for me to be able to,” she said.
The sisters remain close despite their busy lives, regularly speaking and sharing in each other’s journeys.
“Even now, we’re always on the phone every week, catching up, so it’s really cool and she’s really proud of me alongside the rest of my family.”
That family support continues to drive Coates as she prepares for another major chapter with the national side.
The Fijiana XV are currently building towards their Test against Japan before travelling on to Hong Kong for the WXV Global Series Challenger.
Coates says the squad has been putting in the hard work.
“We’re preparing well, the girls are working really hard,” she said.
As one of the more experienced members of a youthful Fijiana XV squad, Coates also recognises the responsibility she carries in helping the next generation find their feet in Test rugby.
The lock forward believes experience is most valuable when it is shared.
“If I can share my knowledge and skills to the girls, and they can share theirs to me, I think we’ll just be better off for it,” she said.
Coates is particularly proud of the young players coming through the squad, many of whom are still finding their confidence at international level.
“Really proud of the girls. We’ve got a young, youthful group here, very inexperienced in terms of Test rugby, so it’s just giving them the confidence that they deserve to be here.
“As a team, we’re very strong and powerful, and we can get the job done.”
From her family’s roots in Nananu Village to representing Fiji on the international stage, Coates continues to carry a legacy that began before she ever pulled on the white jersey.
And as the Fijiana XV prepare to take on new challenges in Japan and Hong Kong, she hopes Fiji’s supporters will continue to stand behind the team.
“Big thank you for everyone that’s supported us so far on our journey this year,” she said.
“Please tune in to watch us, especially on our tour now to Japan and Hong Kong.
“I know we’re playing miles away from home, but we definitely feel your support from far away, so we appreciate it.”
For Coates, the journey is one built on family, shared knowledge and pride in her Fijian heritage, and she is determined to continue making her family and Nananu Village proud.
