Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua tight-head prop Mereoni Vonosere strongly emphasises the need to focus on playing fundamental rugby this Super W season.
The Fijian Drua team made a strong start in the Super W season by defeating the Reds in Brisbane on Sunday with a score of 32-21.
They are now gearing up to host the Waratahs in Lautoka this Saturday.
The Naivucini, Naitasiri native stated; “We just need to play basic rugby and don’t make things hard on the ground we will need to talk to each other and work together.”
The 26-year-old spoke highly of their new training environment at the Drua base.
“This is one thing Fiji women’s rugby has been wanting, everything is new to us, the training environment, the food we eat, this is a good thing we have come to this place.
“We have been looked after well, we can speak our thoughts and we have our rights and I love it,” she said.
The former Adi Cakobau School student started her rugby journey with her Lilians Amazons rugby team in 2021 and in the same year, she was drafted into the Fijiana XV squad and made her debut with the Fijiana Drua in 2022.
Reflecting on her journey, she highlighted the significant challenge of gender discrimination she encountered.
Despite facing hurdles, Vonosere’s dedication and perseverance have propelled her to her current position.
“I faced numerous challenges to reach where I am today, with gender discrimination being one of the most hurtful. However, through relentless training and effort, I have overcome these obstacles,” she expressed.
Balancing her studies at the University of the South Pacific with her sports career poses another challenge for Vonosere.
“I’m also finding it hard to balance my studies with my training, but I take things at a time.”
Vonosere draws strength from her family and loved and loved ones during challenging times.
“It’s my family and my loved ones that keep me going forward every time I face those challenges.”
