Cumu remembers late Kunatuba in rugby journey
Hint of new Drua W squad
ROOSTER Chicken Fijian Drua women centre Merewai Cumu is grateful for the great contribution of the late Elenoa Kunatuba in her rugby journey.
Cumu was only a Year-9 student at Jasper Willliams High School when she first attended a Fijiana 7s trials in Suva.
Although she did not make the final cut at that time, Kunatuba who was coaching the team was constantly on her back, encouraging her to keep playing the sport.
“I started pursuing this in 2012 when girl’s rugby was introduced at Jasper Williams High School. I joined the team and in the same year I was surprised to be selected for the Fijiana 7s trials in Suva. I was at Year 9 and coach Kunatuba was the very person that was pushing me, supporting me to play the sport even at that age,” Cumu shared.
“She saw the talent I had, and she chased me around relentlessly so I could understand the value of it. She showed me this pathway, I was able to go overseas, took care of my family and I was really affected by her passing because she realized what I had even before I did.”
Two years later, Cumu attended another trial in Suva, and she was not to be denied twice as impressed national selectors.
“When I was in Year 11, I attended an under-18 trial at Latter Day Saints in Suva and I was chosen to join the Fiji Schoolgirls U18 team that competed at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games held in Apia, Samoa.
“A year later I made my international debut for the Fijiana 7s team and I was the youngest player in the 2016 Rio Olympics team. I didn’t complete my high school education because I wasn’t strong academically, but I knew that rugby was my pathway in life. I played 7s rugby for over 10 years before I decided to switch to the 15s code. I injured my knee while playing 7s and I was struggling to cope with the intensity of training, so I thought to try out 15s. In 2022 I played rugby in Japan before joining Fijiana Drua last year,” she added.
The Vunamoli in Nadi Super W winner affirmed that most girls would not have pursued rugby if it wasn’t for the support of pioneers like Kunatuba.
“Wearing this jersey means so much to me, not only has it supported me and my family financially, but it has broadened my knowledge and skills of rugby. I learned new things everyday with the Drua and love being in this environment because we have our image and legacy to protect as defending champions. Winning a trophy is easy but to defend it is a different battle altogether.”
The Drua continue their preparations for the 2024 Super W season in Nadi before facing the Reds on Sunday, March 17 in their opening match at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
THE Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women’s 32-member squad has been released as work continues for another season to defend their Super W title.
Several senior players that featured in the first two seasons have retained their places in the squad and are complemented by the inclusion of new talents.
These experienced players include Asinate Serevi, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Vani Arei, Jade Coates, Merewai Cumu, Luisa Basei, Anasimeci Korovata, Jennifer Ravutia, Vika Matarugu, Karalaini Naisewa, Evivi Senikarivi, Sulita Waisega, Merewalesi Rokouono, Setaita Railumu and Mereoni Nakesa.
Litiana Lawedrau who was part of the Fijian Drua W inaugural team but was later dropped due to discipline reason has forced her way back into the 2024 squad.
Merewairita Naivosa who featured in the Fijiana 15s test match last year has also been named.
“For us keeping that momentum of winning Super W, its important that have that wide base of players,” assistant coach Kele Leawere stated.
“I’m sure all the Super W teams in Australia are wanting to beat us. Two years in a row I’m sure they would not want it three years back-to-back, but the girls are working hard knowing that it is not easy. We have some players here who have been there and done that, helping mold the young ones is very important, we do the work and let the scoreline or the result dictate our hardwork.
“It’s important that they remember that we are representing the nation, a professional club and it won’t be easy, but they need to remember that we are champions. They really need to understand that if they work hard on and off the field and a team, we can achieve a three-peat.”
Their campaign begins on March 17 in what will be a repeat of the 2023 final against the Reds at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.