Raijieli Daveua will create history as the first Fiji-born woman in 7s rugby to make her third appearance at the Olympic Games. Daveua has been included in the final 15-member squad of Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Daveua, a Fiji Corrections officer, was part of the team that won bronze in the 2020 Tokyo Games, a groundbreaking achievement for women’s rugby in Fiji. She also represented Fiji in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
In a previous interview, Daveua expressed her excitement, saying, “If I’m selected, it will be a special moment for me because it is the pinnacle of all sports. I’ll be very blessed and grateful to hit that milestone.”
Making their second Olympic appearances are players such as Sesenieli Donu, who has recovered from a severe knee injury two years ago, Lavena Cavuru, Ana Maria Naimasi, Aloesi Nakoci, Laisana Likuceva, and Reapi Uluinasau.
Meredani Qoro, Adi Mereani Rogosau, Talei Wilson, Maria Rokotuisiga, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Kolora Lomani, Verenaisi Ditavutu, and Adi Vani Buleki will be making their Olympic debuts.
Fijiana is grouped in Pool A alongside New Zealand, Canada, and China. The women’s rugby 7s competition at the Paris Olympic Games is set to commence on July 28.