When the Vodafone Fijiana XV made their first appearance this year with their Test match against the Wallaroos last week, it turned out to be the last time prop Anasimeci Korovata would don the white jersey after a three-year stint.
She has hung up her rugby boots with the intent of pursuing a career that has been dear to her heart and one that exemplifies the essence of service; nursing.
Reflecting on the move, she admitted the decision was not an easy one to make and how clarity sought from various areas played an instrumental part in arriving at her decision.
“(There has) been a lot of praying about it, a lot of talking to my parents about it but I’m finally at peace with the decision,” Korovata mentioned.
“It was not an easy decision to make at all, I think I’ve been sitting on the decision since August last year, had some family stuff come up.”
When asked by the media how it felt having to play her final game with the Fijiana XV, she highlighted what the experience in the 80-minute Test was like.
“It was very sad to play that; once the whistle blew it kind of hit me ,” she recalled.
The Veidrala, Nakorotubu, Ra native with maternal links to Namatakula, Nadroga acknowledged the camaraderie of her teammates.
“Just meeting everyone has been my biggest highlight; they obviously love playing rugby and I’m blessed to be here in the position I am,” she said.
“But these girls have turned into my family.”
Despite her departure from the sport, she emphasised on the path needed to be followed after one’s playing days were over.
“Rugby doesn’t last forever; it’s a very short period in our lives, make sure you have something to fall back on,” she added.
