AQELA Raitubu’s rugby journey started on the school grounds of Niusawa in Taveuni and has now taken her to one of the biggest stages in women’s rugby.
The 21-year-old winger is one of the new faces in the McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women squad this season and says the opportunity is a dream come true.
“I’m proud and excited for this opportunity,” Raitubu said.
Originally from Vatukacevaceva in Ra, Raitubu first picked up the sport while in Year 13 during the Raluve competition at Niusawa Secondary School.
At the time, rugby was simply a school activity and she had little understanding of how far the game could take her.
Her life changed after moving to Suva to continue her studies at Fiji National University, where she is studying for a Bachelor of Industrial Arts in Secondary Education.
“One afternoon my friends took me to training and that’s where I started training with the Nasinu team,” she recalled.
Raitubu initially focused on the sevens format before her performances earned her a pathway into the Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit.
From there, her rise was rapid.
Last year she made her debut for the Nasinu provincial side and this season she played a key role during the Oceania Rugby Championship campaign, where she proved instrumental in Fiji’s success.
“When I came to Nasinu that’s when I really learned about rugby because before that I knew nothing about the game,” she said with a smile.
Despite being relatively new to the sport, Raitubu’s pace, determination and willingness to learn quickly caught the attention of selectors.
Coming from a family of nine children, where she is the third eldest, the Drua call-up has become a proud moment not only for her, but also for those back home.
“My family are proud of me,” she said.
Now wearing the Drua colours for the first time, Raitubu hopes to continue growing as a player while inspiring young girls from rural communities to chase opportunities through rugby.
Her story is another reminder that talent can emerge from anywhere from the school grounds of Taveuni to the bright lights of Super W rugby.
