RUGBY sevens playmaker Ilai Tinai played the biggest game of his life yesterday but it was not at the ANZ Stadium where Fiji’s biggest sevens tournament is being held.
Instead this was at Suvavou House where he married his soul mate Maria Matakibau.
The morning started early for Tinai, who at 8am played for Wardens Green in the Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens, then made his way down to the city, for his biggest score yet. And to top things, yesterday was Tinai’s birthday as well.
Underneath his sulu-vakataga, the straps were still around his knee, but that didn’t bother Maria, as they solemnly declared their love for each other and took their vows.
“The first time I saw her .. hmmm… I was playing for Namosi and she had come to watch the game.
“I would call it love at first sight,” said Tinai.
“She is there for me, in every step of my life, supporting me with whatever decision I make. I love her.”
Maria stood by Tinai and said love had brought them even closer and the marriage making the bond between the two even stronger.
“Ilai is a very unique individual. There is no one like him. He understands me. He completes me,” she said.
“I believe that what we have is what motivates him on the field.”
Maria revealed that their small family would be getting a new member in the months to follow, showing her baby bump.
The couple plan to hold a traditional and a bigger wedding ceremony in August which will involve all family members. And to add more sugar to the sweet story, this could very well happen on Maria’s birthday in August.
After the vows, Tinai rushed down to the ANZ Stadium to join the Wardens Green in their campaign to defend their Marist Sevens title.
