7s Opportunity, a Tick on Wilson’s List
Rugby runs through the veins of Australian-born rugby player Talei Qalo Wilson. Her late grandfather Ropate Qalo debuted for Fiji in their 33-6 loss to New Zealand XV in Suva, in June 1968 and played his second Test match against Tonga in August the same year.
Wilson while schooling in Australia could only dream about wearing the Fijian jersey like her late grandfather. This year has been a breakthrough for her donning the Fijiana 15s jumper at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
A few weeks later sevens coach Saiasi Fuli has penciled in her name for the upcoming Dubai and Cape Town sevens.
Her mum, Catherine Qalo hails from Natewa, Cakaudrove while her father is Australian. She has two sisters.
Speaking to SUNSports yesterday Wilson said: “Five years ago, I didn’t think I’d be here.
“It’s funny because a few days ago I was sharing with a friend back in 2020 there was a list of goals for the year, one was the Rugby World
Cup and that’s been ticked off – I got emotional reading that.
“I told some of them maybe after World Cup there will be a 7s opportunity and now it’s coming to fruition.
“Being named was a bit of a surprise for me. I got invited very last minute to camp and that was enough me, it was pretty exciting and I am grateful for the opportunity.
“Got the message on Sunday and I was very emotional reading my name.”
The utility player loves her time in Fiji and she has been training in Suva since May. This has been her longest stay in Fiji.
She featured for the Brumbies in Super W and made her 15s debut this year for Fiji against Japan in May.
“I’m loving it, to be honest – if I continue to love my time with the 7s camp, I’ll be able to do my best there for the team.
“I guess probably the biggest challenge transitioning to 7s was positional play both in attack and defense but otherwise I have doing pretty well.
“I have been loving every minute – just making new friends and relationships with the Fijiana women and coming to the 7s camp – they are also helping me with my Fijian,” Wilson said.
“My notebook is not just full of rugby notes; it’s filled with Fijian as well as songs.”
The Fijiana 7s will face Ireland, Spain and Japan in pool play at the Dubai 7s which kicks off on December 2-3 followed by
Cape Town on December 9-11.
“I played 7s quite a bit in the Aon 7s with the University of Canberra team.
“I’m expecting it to be very tough, I just need to focus on me individually, do my best and play my role for the team.”
Meanwhile, Wilson scored her first Test try against Australia and scored two tries in their 152-nil win over PNG during the Oceania Championship.