COMING from a family deeply rooted in rugby, choosing Fiji as the place to pursue her passion for the sport was an easy decision for French national Clotilde Baron.
The 23-year-old arrived in Fiji in early December after completing a master’s degree at ESSEC Business School in France.
Baron said watching many Fijians play professional rugby in France inspired her to research the Pacific island nation and eventually make the move.
“I came after graduating from my studies and I wanted to discover Fiji,” Baron said.
“There are many Fijian players playing in France and I’d always heard about Fiji, so I really wanted to experience the country for myself.”
She is now a member of the Sinu Kakala Amazons, who are competing at the 17th Fiji Bitter Savusavu 7s at Ganilau Park.
Taking a year off after graduation to focus on rugby, Baron reached out to Nasinu Rugby Club — a step that opened the door to her involvement in local women’s rugby.
“I wanted to use this year to improve my rugby, so I contacted the Nasinu Rugby Club manager and he responded. That’s how it all started,” she said.
Off the field, Baron also gives back to the community by volunteering at Beacon Learning Center in Nasinu, where she teaches French and tennis.
One of her most memorable experiences in Fiji, she said, has been taking part in devotion sessions and singing worship songs.
“I’m Catholic, so that really means a lot to me,” Baron said.
“It makes me realize that what we do is not just for the team, but for God, and that there is something bigger that unites everyone.”
