Melbourne Rebels women’s flanker Tanya Yabaki says playing in Fiji against the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua for the first time was a surreal experience for her.
The 22-year-old was born and raised in Australia and has been pursuing rugby since she was in high school.
“My older brother actually used to encourage me to play rugby ever since I was in my teens,” the Kadavu lass said.
Yabaki said playing in front of Fijian fans was another level of excitement as one could hear every detail in the crowd’s cheers.
“The fans here are just amazing, you can really tell that rugby is the nation’s game by the size of the crowd here today.”
The Rebels side was thrashed by the Fijiana Drua 39-12, with the home side dominating the first half.
“We knew the Fijiana side would play a very physical game and that was exactly what they did. It’s an honour to play against the title holders and young women from home.”
Yabaki was accompanied by a number of relatives who had travelled from Australia to watch her play her first match against the Fijian side.
“A few cousins of mine travelled down all the way from Australia to watch me play and it really means a lot to me.”
