Twenty-one-year-old Salanieta ‘Big Shirley’ Nabuli secured a lucrative rugby offer in the national side last year with the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7’s team for the 2023 WXV.
A product of Vatubalavu village in the highlands of Navosa, Nabuli is the first from her village and the remote region to break the glass ceiling by earning a spot in the national women’s rugby side.
The soft spoken rugger began her rugby journey with the Navosa Women’s rugby team last year before being chosen to play in the WXV in Japan and Dubai.
“I was so excited to be travelling that far. I got to eat real sushi,” Nabuli said.
She left Dudley High School at Form 6 to stay home with her parents when they needed at their family farm. Looking back, she has no regrets about dropping out of school
Being the eldest of three siblings and the only girl, Nabuli took it upon herself to obey her parents wishes.
During her time on the farm, she helped her mum with house chores, plant watermelons and other vegetables with her dad and brothers, and go for rugby training in the afternoon.
Little did she know that she was on a journey that would lead her to be part of the national women’s 7s team.
She feels grateful for the immense support from family members and loved ones who fueled her passion in fulfilling her role as a prop.
“My family has always been supportive. They’ve been encouraging me to do better and be better, as a person and as a player,” she said.
“Every day they remind me to be obedient while in camp and to show discipline.
“They also told me to listen to my coach and trainers saying this was a door of opportunity for me and I wanted to make them proud.”
A true highland girl, Nabuli loves her leafy green vegetables. It’s no wonder that her favourite dish is rourou (taro leaves).
Funnily enough, when she joined the Fijian Drua women’s camp, Nabuli would frequently request for rourou regardless of meal times, even to the point where she would ask for cooked lettuce.
“That’s how much she misses home,” strength and conditioning coach, Mere Moto said.
A huge fan of Semi Radradra, Nabuli aims to be as skillful as the lanky winger and continues to be better in every game.
“When you are in the position I’m in right now, the only thing that’s needed from you is obedience and discipline. You already have the talent.
“To all my young friends out there, if you’re reading this, let’s continue to listen to our parents while they are still with us.
For sure, God will bless us in many ways just like how he has blessed me to play for Fiji.”