Rabuka Likes to Assist Others
Personally I like assisting and encouraging others to develop their skills be it sports or be it for other things. So far it has been an interesting journey in learning about rugby; this includes skills, development, clubs and players, union, what has bee
Ana Rabuka is an all rounder in sports, she is a player, team manager, district committee member and now she is pursuing a rugby union coaching accreditation.
The mother of two who is originally from Kanacea, Vuna in Taveuni plays touch rugby, volleyball, rugby union, netball and hockey.
Three years after getting involved in rugby union in Nadi she became the first women manager for the Airport Rugby Club.
“It is a privilege to be part of one of the four founding pioneer clubs under the Nadi Rugby Union,” Rabuka said.
“I am so thankful to our group of executives and players for proving me wrong in what I thought would be a challenge has been smooth sailing,” she said.
“I was hesitant at first as I initially had my fears leading men dominated club.
“Then with the support from management, committee and club members I confidently settled in.
“I acknowledge and am grateful for the respect and support from everyone.
Committee Election
During her first seating at the Nadi Rugby Union annual general meeting early this year, she was elected to be part of the NRU constitution review executive committee.
“God is so good all the time; He sees our hearts’ desires. I like helping others exploit their talents. During my sports journey God has opened many doors for me to work with others.
“Personally I like assisting and encouraging others to develop their skills be it sports or be it for other things.
“So far it has been an interesting journey in learning about rugby; this includes skills, development, clubs and players, union, what has been done, and what is expected to be done.
Rabuka is not giving up, she adamant in learning and acquiring the right credentials. She is now learning through the World Rugby during FRU’s development departments, workshops and training.
In her rugby journey apart from being manager she is also keen in getting involved in development and funding support systems.
“Women rugby is now the fastgrowing sport in the world and kudos to World Rugby for investing more on the development.
“With our societies and communities recognising and supporting women rugby there is a need to create more pathways, find resources that will accommodate their development. This includes funding, creating awareness, promotional programness and rugby courses.
Airport Rugby Club is making a call to women keen on rugby to sign up with them now.
Upgrade Level
Rabuka is currently doing her rugby union XV Level 1 course. She is also doing her introductory courses before covering the next levels and other rugby courses.
FRU Western Rugby development officers Lionel Danford and Tirani Uluinakauvadra have been her mentors.
“I aim to do my Level 2 in coaching and move on from there. It’s onwards and upwards for me from here,” she said.
Before rugby came along Rabuka had played touch rugby in Suva and Vanuatu. She had played for the Kings Netball Club in Port Vila while living there.
She also played hockey for Nadi Jetsetters. She now plays volleyball for Tagimoucia LEWAS volleyball team – the club she initiated for young women keen on the sport.
The club took part in the 2020 Fiji Bitter Wairiki Parish 7s (which also included volleyball) and the recent 2021 Easter IMAT volleyball tournament in Lautoka.
“After the formation of the Tagimoucia Lewas team the men’s team Tagimoucia Drifters which now like our Tagimoucia Lewas have Team 1 & 2.
“Most of our players are from Taveuni, Vanualevu, and other maritime Islands who are in Nadi for work and secondary school education.
Her child number two, son Joshua is part of the Jetset Junior Rugby Club and plays volleyball for the Tagimoucia Drifters team where he is the youngest to be playing at the club level.
Her big daughter Trinity has multisports talent having represented her high school in athletics, basketball and football.
Trinity was her school’s Under-13 and Nadi captain at the Fiji IDC primary school netball championship.
Rabuka owns Stylosophy Creations Fiji, she is a fashion designer.
Her designs including dresses, shirts and fashion accessories worn by Fiji rugby supporters have been spotted in nearly all 7s international series venues.
With our societies and communities recognising and supporting women rugby there is a need to create more pathways, fiND rEsOurCEs that will accommodate their development. This includes funding, creating awareness, promotional programness and rugby courses.”
Ana Rabuka Manager - Nadi Airport Rugby Club