CAKAUDROVE cousins Ana Maria Roqica and Rusila Nagasau are humbled to lead the TFL Fijiana side in this weekend’s Oceania 7s.
Nippy halfback Roqica, who scored a hat-trick of tries in Fiji’s 48-win over the Cook Islands yesterday, said she was honoured to captain the national team.
And the selection of her cousin Nagasau to be her assistant was good for her.
She said the family would be proud of their achievement as the two became the third in their extended family to don the national rugby jumper.
Roqica said to follow in the footsteps of their cousin and France-based flyer Benito Masilevu was a milestone achievement for the family.
Benito, Roqica and Nagasau’s fathers, who are brothers, hail from Vakativa in Cakaudrove.
“Firstly, I am humbled to captain the national team and to have my cousin assisting me is a huge achievement for the family,” said Roqica.
“The achievement made by our cousin Benito inspired us to reach this far and we are happy to make the family members proud.
“I look up to Rusila being a former captain and I am thankful to the coaches for having faith in us.”
Nagasau said having her cousin by her side inspired her to perform better.
She said they were not only representing the country but the family as well.
“This is a family achievement especially for us to lead the national team,” said Nagasau.
“We are humbled with our achievement and we are delighted to follow in the footsteps of Benito by representing Fiji on the world scene.”
The utility player said she would do all her best to assist her cousin in leadership role and lead by example.
The duo added the team would give their best to qualify for the Rio Olympics upon the completion of the Oceania 7s in Auckland this afternoon.
