This week, Fiji Rugby honored Tavaita Rowati, a former Fijiana player whose nearly 20 years of dedication to women’s rugby in Fiji has been transformative. Rowati has excelled in various roles including player, coach, mentor, and educator, always striving to uplift women in sports.
Reflecting on her extensive journey in rugby, Rowati stated, “I’ve been in this system for 20 years. I started with playing rugby, then formed my own team… I’ve seen the struggles and that’s what pushed me.” She founded Striders Women’s Rugby to offer an opportunity for young women lacking teams or support.
Rowati has achieved coaching Levels 1, 2, and 3, and is a certified strength and conditioning coach. As a World Rugby educator, she trains new coaches, and was a member of the coaching staff for the 2022 Fijiana Drua and the Fijiana World Cup squad. Her ambition is to become the head coach of the Fijiana 15s.
Emphasizing the importance of grassroots development, Rowati calls for more support for local coaches, managers, and physiotherapists. She credits the Women in Sport program for bolstering her confidence and encourages young women to “be brave” and take initiative.
She believes that helping one girl to succeed can have a ripple effect, positively impacting families and communities across Fiji. “If one girl succeeds, her family, her village, and all of Fiji succeeds,” Rowati asserts, reflecting her deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of female athletes.
As women’s rugby in Fiji continues to grow, Rowati’s story resonates with a larger narrative about women’s empowerment in sports. Notable figures like Eleina McDonald, the first female team manager for the Flying Fijians, have shared their experiences and called for greater recognition of women’s contributions in a traditionally male-dominated sphere.
Rowati’s efforts not only inspire young women to pursue sports but also contribute to a broader movement striving for equality and opportunity in athletics. The ongoing support for women’s rugby programs suggests a hopeful future where the doors for female athletes continue to open wider, paving the way for accomplishments that echo well beyond the pitch.
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