Watch my girls, says Ovalau coach
Ovalau women’s rugby coach, Sainimili Johnson, hopes to see some of her young players don the Fijiana jumper in future.
The Ovalau team were part of the Women’s Regional 10s Frestival organised by the Fiji Rugby Union at Bidesi Park, Suva, yesterday.
She indicated that there were many potential players and talents that needed to be guided in the right path.
And she is thankful to the Fiji Rugby Union for providing the platforms such as the women’s 10s to recognise local and grassroots talents.
She has been assisting the team since she could not return to Australia due to COVID-19 earlier this year.
Johnson is also part of the Island Breeze rugby plus.
“This is the first time for most of the girls to play rugby and I’m proud of them,” she said. “There are many hurdles and weaknesses but they made it here to showcase what Ovalau ladies are capable of in the field. “For me personally, women’s rugby has developed well in Fiji. “I always remind the girls that it is not important to win the game but to know the rules.
“It is not always about winning but how you perform, know and understand the rules and regulations of rugby.
“When it is in your fingertips, then you are good to go.”
A few of the players in her team are high school students, who is she counting on.
These includes 15-year-old winger, Keresi Momoivalu, Lelea Kataiwai and Aloesi Taraleca
“These are some promising names and they are really good players. And they are young and have a long way to go in rugby,” she added.