WHEN Aradhna Lal walks onto the rugby field, she brings more than just a whistle and a game plan. She brings resilience, a willingness to learn and a determination to prove that passion, not background defines a coach.
Originally from Labasa, Lal is the head of department for Home Economics at Batinikama College, where she has been based since 2016.
While many know her today as a member of the coaching staff for the school’s under-17 Deans rugby side, her sporting journey began long before she stepped onto a rugby field.
When she was a student of Labasa Primary School, she represented her school in netball before discovering a passion for athletics at Labasa College. Specialising in the 800m, she progressed through the Macuata zone competitions and earned selection to represent her school at the prestigious Coca-Cola Games.
Yet, instead of competing, fear got the better of her.
Afraid of travelling to Suva and performing in front of a large crowd, she withdrew from the competition by producing a medical certificate which stated she had asthma.
Looking back, Lal describes that decision as one of her biggest regrets in life.
“Looking back, I realise fear had robbed me of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I would have been the only Indo-Fijian female athlete in that event, and my participation would have created history, regardless of result,” Lal said
Lal said the experience has shaped the way she now mentors young athletes.
“I always tell them to never let fear stop them from chasing opportunities. You may fail but you should never regret trying again.”
Although football was the sport many associated her with, Lal had always enjoyed watching rugby, particularly the Fiji sevens team. Her journey into coaching began last year when Batinikama College introduced its U-17 boys rugby program.
Encouraged by the school’s PEMAC head of department, Mr Navunisino, she embraced the challenge despite having no experience in rugby.
She was holding a senior football coaching licence by then so Lal immersed herself in learning rugby through coaching courses and practical experience.
“I wanted to support our students while also expanding my own knowledge of the sport. The more I learned, the more passionate I became.”
Coaching came with its own challenges
Communication proved to be the utmost barrier because many of her players understood rugby concepts better in the iTaukei language. Limited training resources also forced the coaching staff to think creatively, using coconut trunks as weights and large vehicle tyres for strength and conditioning.
Rather than viewing those obstacles as setback, Lal saw them as opportunities to innovate.
Her efforts, alongside fellow coach Irene Goundar and the school’s coaching staff, helped guide Batinikama College to the zone title, a milestone she describes as one of her proudest moments of her coaching career.
Another memorable achievement came during her World Rugby Level Two coaching assessment when she chose to conduct a line-out session, one of the more technically demanding areas of the game.
Her assessor questioned her decision, noting that most coaches preferred simpler sessions. Lal trusted her preparation, successfully delivered the session and earned praise from the assessor.
“That experience taught me an important lesson, growth happens when we are willing to step outside our comfort zone.”
Today, Lal is continuing her coaching education while serving as the manager of the Macuata women’s rugby team under a three-year contract, where she also assists with coaching duties.
Her long-term ambition is to coach at national level, but beyond personal success, she hopes to inspire more women to enter rugby coaching.
“I entered rugby without ever playing the sport, or having family background in rugby. If I can do it, then so can any woman who is willing to learn, work and believe in herself.”
For Lal, rugby is no longer simply a sport.
It is a platform to inspire young people, challenge stereotypes and remind others that the biggest barriers are often the ones we place on ourselves.
Batinikama College’s under-17 Deans rugby coaching official and home economics teacher, Aradhna Lal. Picture: SUPPLIED
