WHY RUGBY? NAIMASI TELLS
It is like looking for a needle in a haystack to find a super athlete who has represented Fiji in three different sports.
Fijiana 7s team utility back Ana Maria Naimasi has donned three national uniforms in the past 10 years in cricket, netball and rugby.
The 25-year-old from Galoa Village in Serua was part of the Fiji
Women’s cricket team that travelled to Vanuatu for the Tri-Series in 2011 and 2012.
In 2013, Naimasi was selected for the Fiji Netball Under-19, which played in New Zealand in the TransTasman Series and later represented Fiji A in 2014.
In 2017, Naimasi made her debut for Fijiana at the Dubai 7s and has been a consistent player for Fiji Rugby aiming for a spot in the Olympic Games this July.
Her cousin and former Fijian 7s team rover Donasio Ratubuli along with her brother and Ratu Filise utility Aborosio Naiqamu has been a role model to her.
“Rugby has always been my favourite sport and it has always been a dream to don the white jumper,” said Naimasi.
“I have always wanted to represent
Fiji in rugby and I was fortunate to have represented our country in three different sports.
“Nothing is impossible if the heart is willing and if you ask God to lead your path and work hard for it to achieve your goal.
“Growing up in a village and wanting to play rugby is a challenge but Naimasi is thankful that she has the support from home.
“I want to thank my family for always supporting me and that’s enough for me to break any obstacle standing in my way.”
Naimasi is one of the senior players in the Fijiana 7s team who are currently at camp in Suva.
She is also part of the Mount Masada women 7s team that won the 2nd Leg of the Super Sevens Series in Nadi last weekend.
The Cup finalists of the second leg of the Fiji Rugby Super Sevens Series Police Blue and Police White dedicated their achievements to all Police officers working tirelessly around the country.
Police Blue captain Keponi Paul said they will continue to acknowledge the hardworking police officers who are always supporting them in every tournament they participate in.
“To all the Police officers working tirelessly at their stations around Fiji, this win is dedicated to them for their hard work and being true to their calling,” he said.
“I also acknowledge the support from our officers and (Acting) Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu for supporting us in the tournament and not forgetting our families.”
Police White captain and Fijian 7s team playmaker Livai Ikanikoda shared similar sentiments.
Police Blue lead the points table with 44 points and have won back to back tournaments in Sigatoka and Nadi.
For the third leg they are pooled with Ratu Filise, Wardens and the wild card 15th team from the North on Pool A.
Police White are currently in fourth place with 30 points after losing to Police Blue in the Cup final. They are in the same pool as Uluinakau, Eastern Saints and the BLK Stallions in Pool B. The third leg will be held on March 19-20 at Ratu Ganilau Park in Savusavu.
“...this win is dedicated to them for their hard work...”