Ilisapeci Bari, a debutant at just 19 years old, is brimming with pride as she prepares to represent Fiji and the Bulikula team at the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championships. The young talent from Tavua expressed her gratitude for the chance to realize her dream of playing rugby for her country, a goal she shared with her grandmother.
Bari hails from a rugby-loving family, with her father, Manasa Bari, having played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and representing Fiji in the 7s team. “I’m overwhelmed and grateful for the opportunity; it was my grandmother’s dream, as well as my own, to represent our country, especially in rugby,” Bari stated. She also expressed how significant it is for her to follow in her father’s footsteps, acknowledging his legacy in the sport.
Excited about her upcoming debut, Bari is focused on making her family and country proud during the competition. “My aim is to make my country and family proud while they watch me. I’m feeling a lot of pressure heading into the match, but the support from my family truly motivates me,” she shared.
Her father’s reaction to her selection was one of pure joy and pride, highlighting the special nature of her achievement at such a young age. “When he learned that I had made the team, he was very happy because having one of his children represent Fiji is something extraordinary,” Bari remarked, noting her father’s reminder that everything unfolds according to God’s plan, fostering her belief in her potential for success.
The Fiji Bulikula will face off against the Cook Islands at 6pm, followed by the Vodafone Fiji Bati competing against the Cook Islands at 8:10pm, both matches set to take place at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.