FIJI Rugby this week recognised the tireless work of Tavaita Rowati, a former Fijiana player who has spent nearly two decades building and leading change in women’s rugby in Fiji.
From muddy fields to world cups, Rowati has played many roles – player, coach, mentor and educator – always with one goal and that is to lift others, especially women.
“I’ve been in this system for 20 years,” she said.
“I started with playing rugby, then formed my own team. Played for Suva, played for Fijiana, I’ve seen the struggles and that’s what pushed me.”
She founded Striders Women’s Rugby to help young women who had no team or support.
“There was no guidance, so I made space for them.”
She went on to earn coaching Levels 1, 2 and 3, plus strength and conditioning certifications.
Today, she is a World Rugby educator, training others to coach.
Rowati was part of the coaching team for the 2022 Fijiana Drua and Fijiana world cup squad. Her goal is clear: to become the next Fijiana 15s head coach.
She says development must start at the grassroots and urges support for local coaches, managers and physios.
She credits the Women in Sport program for giving her confidence.
“You can have the knowledge, but you need to be brave.”
Her message to young women is simple: “Be brave. Don’t wait for permission. Ask.”
And her belief remains firm: “If one girl succeeds, her family, her village and all of Fiji succeeds.”
