Rippling Effects of Fijianas’ Success Go beyond the Horizon
The Fijiana rugby success on the international scene now has rippling effect among Fijian women around the globe.
“In Australia right now rugby is one of the fastest growing female participation sports in all states,” mother of seven Elaine Ratu said from Sydney.
Ratu is the daughter of former national rep Qele Ratu.
“The success of Australian women’s sevens and Fijiana in SuperW , World Cup and 7s have been huge attraction for our daughters, ” she said.
“It is inspiring and we are lucky that coaches are willing to come and teach the basics.
“Every Fijian regardless where they live love rugby – it is in us; rugby connects us to our extended families and home.
“Fijian girls younger than ten are into rugby camps, training and competition now.”
Sharing the same is Maxine Taqiri, 42, is the daughter of the late Josaia Taqiri. Taqiri had represented Fiji in the 13-match 1976 Australia tour.
That Australian tour was a series of matches played between May and June 1976. Fiji lost all three tests against Wallabies, two in Sydney 22-6 and 27-17 and in Brisbane 21-9. They won 48-8 against
Tasmania, 47-3 against Western Australia, 27-4 against Victoria, 2812 against Australia Capital Territory and Queensland Country 24-4. Fiji lost 4-12 against Sydney, 7-10 against Southern Australia, 11-13 against New South Wales Country and 16-28 against Queensland.
Ratu and Taqiri returned to Australia after that tour to join the Randwick Club.
Taqiri’s daughters Jiu-deah and Isabella Tavai represent the NSW
Fijian under 14s in the weekly competition; and 7s at the recent Pacifica Youth Tournament in Sydney. They also play rugby league (girls).
Taqiri’s late mum is Maori, her daughters have the choice to play for New Zealand, Fiji and Australia.
“Jiu-deah is adamant she wants to play for Fiji while Isabella just wants to make her family proud,” NSW Fijian junior girls’ manager Taqiri said.
“They have been playing since 2018 and 19 when they were 10 for East Campbelltown. With the Fijiana colourful record in 15s and 7s majority of the girls have dropped netball.”
Jiu-deah, 14, plays centre in rugby union and fullback in rugby league while Islabella, 13 plays wing both in union and rugby league.
In the recent Pacific Youth tournament their team finished second in the pool and sat at number four at the end of that meet.
It is a norm now that in rugby competitions and tournaments more and more young Fijian girls joining.
“Many Fijian rugby players have made Australia their home, while it has been natural for sons to take up after their fathers; there is a big change now that the girls as young as in primary school have joined clubs to play rugby,” Ratu said.
“They are natural athletes and are picking up trophies and winning games.”
Her daughter Lusiana Vesikula, 14, plays centre, half back and wing and only plays rugby union.
Originally from Verata, Tailevu, Vesikula and her two brothers Solomoni Jnr and Rova joined Oatley Rugby Union Club just after COVID in 2019
Her and Solomoni Jnr represent Southern Districts Juniors. Recently she was awarded the Oatley Female Player of the Year.
“She is excited for what the future holds, rugby gives her discipline and balance in the sense that she needs to do her homework before she can go training; balance is that she manages her time between study, leisure and sport.
“Through rugby she has built lifelong friendships, builds her character on and off the field and apart from fitness it helps develop her social skills, tolerance, determination; plus leadership, concentration and most of all team work.
“Rugby is a unifying sport because it is team oriented, anyone can play the sport regardless shape and size; it is camaraderie because it transcends cultural, geographic, political and religious differences,” Taqiri said.