ROOSTER Chicken Fijian Drua women’s former captain Bitila Tawake is brimming with excitement as she returns home to embrace freestyle rugby once again.
The prop forward arrived in the country this week and joined the Drua camp for the remaining Super Rugby W campaign where she has been named on the bench in the semi-final match against the Western Force at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva today.
“Arriving just in time for the home semi-final, we are thrilled to host and eager to nurture the growth of women’s rugby here at home,” Tawake expressed.
“I’ve missed the freedom of playing freestyle rugby; it’s quite structured overseas, even though we don’t always get to play.”
Joining the team in camp on Wednesday, Tawake wasted no time in reminding her teammates of the magnitude of their upcoming challenge and the significance of hosting a home semi-final.
“When I joined the girls in camp yesterday (Wednesday) i reminded them that this is a huge task and having a home semi-final is something we have to celebrate in general,” Tawake said.
Reflecting on her feelings, Tawake acknowledged the special nature of the moment, particularly for herself, captain Karalaini Naisewa, and other senior players who have been with the team since their inaugural Super W silverware victory.
“Having this home semi-final is a special moment for me and the captain and other senior players in the team that have been in this team for the past two years when we won the championship,” she said.
Impressed by the performance of new players this season, Tawake singled out talents like Atelaite Buna.
“The new players are doing well in the team i was watching them since the tournament opener players like Atelaite. In the past two years they look up to us and now it’s time for them to shine,” Tawake added.
Drawing from her experience with the Chiefs, Tawake aims to impart valuable lessons to her Drua campmates, believing that transitioning to the Drua base will propel women’s rugby into professionalism.
“In the Chiefs there’s a lot of professionalism, you do a lot of things on your own. We have a gap to fill and hopefully I can come and help fit it.
“It feels good to be here at the Drua base something we have been dreaming for the past two years,” Tawake added.
