After leaving Fiji when she was only two years old, Penina Turova has always longed to return to the country.
She did make visits over the past 22 years, but an opportunity of a lifetime crossed her path when she was contacted by Vodafone Fijiana 15’s head coach Inoke Male to join the team earlier last month.
The 24-year-old, who has lived in England for the past 22 years, says when the opportunity to represent her country of birth was handed to her, she took it by both hands and has no plans of letting go.
“I actually started playing rugby back in 2019, before that I played netball,” the Vanua Levu lass said.
“I was born here in Fiji but moved to England when I was only two years old.”
Once taking up rugby and participating in club competitions, Turova had always fantasised about representing her country of birth.
“I used to fantasise about joining the Fijiana or the Fijiana Drua.
“I play club rugby back in England, and it was only earlier this year when coach Male contacted me and asked if I would like to be part of the team. I immediately said yes.”
She said whilst being selected into the Fijiana side, her family in England and in Fiji has always been supportive of her choice to pursue rugby.
“And when they learned that I was selected by Male, everyone was happy and excited for me. My family has always been supportive of me chasing rugby, and I am blessed to have them by my side.”
Turova said in the past three to four weeks she has spent with the squad, she has learned a lot of things that have made her a better player.
“Especially with the senior players, they are very welcoming and open to teaching me and other new players.
“So in my last three to four weeks with them, I have learned a lot.”
