Sulita’s Journey from The Hague to Fiji
From HAVO (senior general secondary education) exam to the other side of the world to play for her country Paid her own way from the Netherlands to Fiji
Rugby talent Sulita Waisega is working hard at her club the Haagsche Rugby Club (HRC). Those achievements have not gone unnoticed by Fiji – the country where she was born. As a result, the teenager already makes an international debut on the other side of the world at the age of 18.
For many years, Waisega has been known as a great rugby talent. She took her first steps on the field at HRC.
The athlete, who lives in The Hague, joined the Colts team (Under-18) at the age of 15. Since then, she has by no means been sitting still in her development. As icing on the cake, she was called up to the national team of the Pacific island group last week.
“My parents are both Fijian,” Waisega said.
“They were born there and so am I. When I was three I moved to the Netherlands. I have two passports, which makes it possible for me to represent Fiji.”
She went back to her ‘roots’ twice: in 2011 and 2019. There is also no question of a language barrier.
“I learned the language from my parents from an early age and we still speak that language at home.”
The selection for the national team does not come as a complete surprise. “I have always played rugby at international level but playing for Fiji is twice as much fun for me. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.”
Despite this, Waisega has completed her HAVO exam before travelling to Fiji.
In this way she hears on the other side of the world whether she has obtained her HAVO diploma.
“Everything will come at once. My family already wishes me the best of luck. It’s very exciting.
“If someone has to be young, why not me?”
A few months ago, the world looked completely different for Waisega.
“‘It’s very crazy. Then my father showed videos that of their (the Fiji national team) training sessions.
“Two months later, I am called up to play for Fiji. That is special. I thought if someone has to be young, why not me?” she explains with a laugh.
“It must be someone. I’m really happy.”
The level in Fiji, which consists of 322 islands, is very different from that in the Netherlands.
“Women’s rugby is on the rise. “You’ve had the sevens girls for a long time. They had been doing well internationally for a long time.”
Waisega mentions a difference with regard to sport in the Netherlands without hesitation.
“Since they start at a later age, they still have to learn the ‘basic skills’.
How strong they are, that’s good for rugby. They are getting much better now.”
Matches at a killer pace
Waisega does not have much time to relax and recover from the grueling journey.
“I’ll be arriving on Sunday morning. Then I rest all day. Monday it already starts for me. I can already start training and we have team building. That’s one week of training camp with the girls. The following week we fly to New Zealand. That’s for the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship.”
The tournament lasts more than a week.
“Then we’ll play three games. After the tournament there is hardly time to rest. After that, we’ll fly back to Fiji and play three more games.”
Exciting moment
After the last three matches, the selection for the World Cup, which starts in October, will be announced. There is therefore hardly any question of a holiday for the student.
“I think I’m going to have more than fun. The warm weather, family around me and doing what I like. I think I’m going to enjoy it.”
Big Dream
A first dream seems to be coming true with the selection for the Fiji national team, but Waisega hopes for more.
“My dream is to play internationally and with a club at a high level. I want to achieve things with it and win prizes.”
She concludes cheerfully: “And above all make everyone around me happy.”