Olympic Bronze to trigger women Participation: Raiwalui

iji Rugby Union High Performance Manager Simon Raiwalui is positive that women’s rugby in the country will expand, as he knows there would be an increase of interest from young women once sporting activities resume.

This will be a promising time for Fiji Rugby, and once the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed the union will be preparing to involve more young girls to participate in the game.

Raiwalui said that the Fijiana bronze medal win is huge for the people of Fiji in terms of the growth of the sport of rugby for women.

“That next generation of school aged kids now have new heroes to inspire to,” said Raiwalui.

“That bronze medal has made our team heroes to the next generation; men and women,” he added.

Raiwalui has emphasised that Fiji is a sporting nation and explained how there’s always competition amongst the sports.

“Once Rugby starts up again here, we are expecting a big spike in interest in the women’s game,” said Raiwalui.

“We’re still in lockdown now, but we are expecting it to translate down into our schools, younger girls, as well as athletes who are in other sports who are now interested in the pathways of rugby and playing for Fijiana.

Raiwalui is optimistic with the rate Fiji’s is going at the international level, and he is also hopeful of a women’s team in the Super Rugby.

In an interview with Oceania Rugby, Raiwalui added that the nations achievement in rugby has really ignited something for the country.

“We will always have those challenges in terms of resourcing just due to our size.”

“Our inclusion into Super Rugby Pacific and hopefully Super W, combined with our success at the Olympics has really started something.

“We will always compete, but it’s about the consistency, that consistency comes with consistent competition and playing against the best teams,” he added.

“Ultimately, we want to grow!

“If we get into that space where we get the same opportunities as other nations, we will be able to compete at the highest level.

“We have to keep on building, keep our heads down; not get ahead of ourselves, but we see a bright future for both of our women’s programmes,” said Raiwalui.