Page 19 - IB December 2021

Honourable Mentions Honourable Mentions

THE FIJIANA SEVENS TEAM

By Samantha Magick World Rugby says it is investing in women’s rugby develop-
ment in a commitment to increase “competitiveness, player,
Fiji’s Women’s National Sevens team, the Fijiana, brought fan and commercial interest, and further advance women in
joy to a COVID-ravaged nation this year with their bronze- rugby around the globe.”
medal performance at the Olympic Games. They have gone The efforts include a new Women’s 15s international
on to finish the season strongly, with silvers in Dubai (reaching competition to begin in 2023, and work focussed on women’s
their first World Series final in the process), and are currently player welfare, health and training needs, and what needs to
ranking second in the HSBC World Sevens Series. There are be done with national unions to enhance the professionalism
tournaments in Spain, Canada and France to come in 2022, of women’s rugby.
prompting Fiji’s Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama to pre-
dict that they are the team to beat. Inspiration off the field
The Fijiana impressed collectively and individually. Fijiana While we recognise the team for their form and perfor-
7s players Alowesi Nakoci and Reapi Uluinasau were in con- mance, we also acknowledge what their leadership has
tention for World Rugby Women’s 7s Player of the Year award inspired in other sporting codes and amongst Pacific women
this year. While France’s Anne-Cecile Ciofani eventually won and girls more broadly.
the accolade, Fiji was the only side to have two finalists, Let’s face it, the Fijiana 7s team has been patronised,
with the nominating panel noting that Ulunisau’s nomination underfunded, and generally disrespected by many of their
belied “the fact it was her debut in a global tournament [the countrymen over the years. In persevering and showing grit
Olympics] by finishing as top try-scorer with eight, including a despite these hurdles, they have challenged gender norms in
record four against Brazil in the pool stage.” an important way.
The team will go to the Commonwealth Games in Birming- They’re setting an important example across the region for
ham next year, with high hopes they will be at the very peak other young women keen to get into rugby, and break these
of the podium. stereotypes; women like Tonga’s Siunipa Pahulu, who told the
2022 is also a big year for their 15s-playing sisters, with Talitha Project that she “ended up playing rugby by accident,
New Zealand hosting the women’s Rugby World Cup. Fiji and I found out that not only do I enjoy it but it’s something I
makes its debut at the RWC, and organisers want to set a am also good at. It has instilled confidence in me that [I know]
world attendance record for a standalone women’s rugby if I can tackle anyone on the field, then I can also protect
match day on the first day of the competition, when Fiji will myself outside, and stand up for myself and anyone else.”
meet England. Pahulu says while rugby is one of the most important things
Captain Sereima Leweniqila, who is at the end of her in her life, she still faces challenges getting acceptance from
playing career, told World Rugby that they’re looking forward her family.
to it. “It is going to be challenging but a good challenge. I “I think for Tonga, women don’t get the same opportunities
would like to finish with a blast and a good outing; that’s the as men in rugby due to our culture. In Tongan culture, the
plan. women are made to protect their dignity; told how to dress;
“We don’t want to just go to participate but actually make how to dance; and told that the way they carry themselves is
some waves, and if we can win a game, that would be the a reflection on her family. Playing rugby goes against all that.
goal.” So, a lot of people still see women as objects that need to be
covered-up, and act respectfully. The other reason I think we
Towards professionalism don’t get the same opportunities as men in rugby is that we
Of course rugby is more than a sport in the Pacific. are seen as being weak. That we will hurt ourselves if we play
“It’s a means of employment and it reaches all sports rugby, so we are not given the opportunities as men and boys
and sectors in our nation. Globally, a Fijian rugby player is because we’re seen as weaker.”
marketable commodity. The large remittance sent back to Fiji The Fijiana and other players following in their (goose)
from players is testament to this,” said Fiji President, Ratu steps like Pahulu are showing the strength of Pacific women,
Wiliame Katonivere this month. and commanding community and global respect in the pro-
For talented male Pacific players, a few seasons overseas cess.
has long been an important income earner. How far off are
similar opportunities for our best female players? editor@islandsbusiness.com

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