ANOTHER Fijian player has created history becoming the first to represent the Japan women’s 7s team at international stage.
Originally from Naicabecabe Village in Moturiki with maternal links to Japan, Raijieli Bativakalolo made her debut for Japan in the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Sao Paulo 7s tournament in Brazil this weekend.
Proud dad Apisai Bati said he was happy to see his daughter achieve her dream of playing at the world scene.
He said his 18-year-old daughter was proudly flying the Fijian flag in the Japanese team and was looking forward to watching his new rugby star battle against the best in the business.
“Raijieli has embedded her name in the Japanese rugby history book becoming the first Fijian female player to represent Japan,” said Bati.
“This is a huge achievement for her and we are so happy to see her accomplishment.
“We are eagerly waiting to watch her in action and I am confident she will easily adapt to top level competition.”
Bati said his daughter worked extremely hard over the past years to fulfil her rugby dream.
“Her hard work has paid off and we thank the Almighty God for his blessing.
“And after fulfilling her rugby dream, Raijieli said her next target would be to win a spot in the final 12-member team for the Rio Olympics later this year. I believe it is the dream of all rugby players to play at this pinnacle event and this will be an inspiration for Raijieli to engrave her name as an Olympian.”
Bati said he was happy to see her daughter joining fellow Fijians such as Paulo Nawalu, Bruce Ferguson, Sirilo Lovokuro, Kilive Naloli, Filipe Rayasi and Lote Tuqiri to have represented the Japanese 7s team.
Raijieli’s Japan team was drawn in Pool C alongside England, France and Brazil while the TFL Fijiana 7s team played in Pool A together with Australia, Canada and Ireland.
