Fijian flyer soars from Porirua to the world
LAST Saturday was a big occasion for Kolora Lomani and her team-mates, making history in the process. Representing Fiji, they made their Rugby World Cup debut at Eden Park in front of a vocal crowd.
The 23-year-old wing – a Kadavu native – was born in Lautoka, and brought up in the gold mining town of Vatukoula. She’s also a ‘‘proud’’ Wellingtonian, having moved to Porirua at age 6.
The Wellington East Girls’ College alumni is also a member of the Wellington Pride Farah Palmer Cup team, and a member of the Fijiana Drua team in Australia’s Super W competition.
She chatted to The Podium podcast host Zoe¨ George ahead of Fiji’s big clash against South Africa at Waitakere Stadium tonight.
The first game last week at Eden Park, what was it like standing there singing the Fijian national anthem with that incredible crowd?
Honestly, from my rugby career, I’ve never come through anything like this before. [For] the majority of us girls, this is our first time to be part of international rugby, part of Fijiana, and being the first women to be representing Fiji in this national sport . . . [it’s] a once in a lifetime thing. It’s been a crazy ride, and to represent our country and be the only Pasifika team at this World Cup; that’s been unreal.
You’ve got a big game against South Africa off the back of an 84-19 loss to tournament favourites England. You were able to keep England to 10 points at half-time. What happened?
I think we had a good start. We did what we had to do to try and keep them on their toes. We had to fight hard for that first half, but unfortunately we didn’t carry that through into the second half. But I’m still proud of the girls.
Playing in front of a ‘‘home crowd’’ always helps?
It’s so amazing to see our families and friends out there supporting, no matter what. No matter what the [score] was, we still had the support, and I know that a lot of the fans had come out to New Zealand and from around NZ. I just wanted to say a big thank you and vinaka vaka levu for all your love, support and your prayers for our skills. We always try our best to put the best performance out there for you.
Why rugby?! played netball through school but I changed to rugby because the culture is very different compared to netball. You travel around the world and meet new friends. And just the physicality is what I love and just running around the field.
Was there a point in your career when you had to choose between representing the Black Ferns or Fiji?
Definitely! In 2019 when I had my first debut in Sevens for Wellington, and I was called into the Ferns development camp. I think trying that out really opened my eyes. I thought that I would have a chance with the Ferns. But I ended up travelling to Japan and having a contract overseas. Coming back, I had phone calls from Fiji wanting me to join. I held back because I thought I’d try for the Ferns, but that didn’t come through.
Earlier this year I had calls to try out for Fijiana Drua – the first Fijiana team to join the Super W in Australia – so I thought I’d take that opportunity. It’s been an incredible ride.
There was a story about you recently that called you ‘elusive’, out on the wing. What do you make of that?
That’s something that I’ve never been called before! Starting with this team, I’ve always been playing on the wing. Progressing with the team, the coaches have seen where I can develop in other positions in the backs, which is amazing to have a couple of options to play.
The team is playing in Auckland and Whangā rei. Have you managed to get out and eat some Pasifika food?
It’s been good getting out as a team, looking around and experiencing Auckland. And the food! Always eat the food! But we haven’t had much of an opportunity to taste our own culture’s food. We’d been having nice hotel meals, salad, meat, steak and chicken, that the girls are not really used to! But I think they’re getting used to it!
To young Pasifika women, what would you say about joining rugby?
Even if you dream about it, work towards it. But once you get that opportunity, you always have to grab it with two hands . . .