Following in her brother’s footsteps, Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women’s youngest squad member, Noelani Baselala says few years back, she would have never dreamt of playing in a professional rugby competition.
The 17-year-old hailing from Kadavu is the younger sister of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua half-back Philip Baselala.
“Joining this team was not easy as I trained with a lot of hardworking and talented girls who also aimed to join the Drua team,” she said.
Baselala says she took up rugby only two years ago and was honoured with the opportunity presented to her.
“I started playing rugby in 2022 just for the sake of playing and prior to that I did not really saw a future in it as my parents were very strict on education.
“However, when I started playing, I grew in love with it.
“Being the youngest in the team, I was scared at first but the experienced players were very supportive.”
Baselala said her aim this year was to pass her academic examinations with flying colours and win a third Super W competition with the Fijian Drua Women team.
“My brother was the youngest squad member in the Drua team when he debuted last year and that aspired me to work hard and make my family proud,” she said.
