Cumu zooms into Fijiana Selection
Merewai Cumu, 25, has set her eyes on the Vodafone Fijiana XVs jumper in this Saturday’s Test match against the Wallaroos. The Fijiana XVs match will be the curtain raiser for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and Waratahs at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.
The Vunamoli, Nadi native was one of the outstanding players at the Super W with her strong runs and carries.
She shares maternal links to Nawaqadamu, Nadi. Second five-eighth Cumu missed the selection for last year’s World Cup as she was away in Japan playing for Mie women’s rugby club, Pearls. “I would like to play for the Fijiana XVs and also in the next World Cup,” Cumu said.
“I play rugby for my family; they are my why. Whatever I earn from playing rugby is for family. She is the second child in a family of six siblings. “My older sister has married off, my family relies on me to provide.
“Both my parents are farmers and I have younger siblings in primary and secondary school to support.
“I am working hard on it and representing Fiji is something I can give back to my family.”
Cumu started playing rugby for Nadi Blazers at 14.
She has advised young girls who would like to play rugby not to give up on their dreams.
“Even though life throws challenges, keep chasing your dreams.
“You will reap the fruit of the little sacrifices you make, so keep working hard.”
Sumu attended Burua Youth Primary School, few years at Nawaicoba Public School then returned to Burua to complete her primary school education. She attended Jasper Williams High School from Year 9 to Year 12; she was a long distance runner and scooped medals from her sub junior to senior years at the Coca-Cola games.
She started playing rugby in the first year when the sport was introduced to secondary school girls; she started with the Nadi Blazers while in Year 9 along with former Fijiana captain Lailanie Burnes. She was one of the youngest triallists for the Fijiana 7s in 2014 which was then coached by Elenoa Kunatuba. She was 15-years old.
Cumu also represented Fiji Under 18 at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa before travelling to Rio for the 2016 Olympic games.
After playing sevens she played for Lautoka in the Marama completion and moved to Nadi last year. She plans to run a cattle farm when she hangs her boots.
Meanwhile Fijiana XVs head coach Inoke Male is expected to name his team today.