Fiji’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Jese Saukuru, has assured that the national women’s sevens rugby team will receive abundant support as they prepare for the upcoming Dubai Sevens tournament next weekend.
Saukuru made these remarks during a recent presentation of the team’s i-tatau at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva. He emphasized the impressive growth of women’s rugby globally, highlighting it as a prime opportunity for expansion in the sport over the next decade. The Minister noted that initiatives like the new Women in Rugby brand and the motivational “Try and Stop Us” campaign have contributed to a remarkable increase in female participation in the sport, which has now reached a record 2.7 million players worldwide.
He pointed out that since 2017, there has been a notable 28 percent rise in registered female rugby players. However, he also acknowledged the significant challenges women rugby players in Fiji have faced historically, including discouragement and social ostracism. Some players have even endured severe repercussions from their families for their passion for the sport.
Saukuru commended the dedication of these athletes, who have sacrificed their time and effort to promote women’s rugby in Fiji despite these hurdles. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting rugby, announcing an allocation of over $4.2 million in the current budget dedicated to nurturing the sport.
As the Fijiana women’s sevens team prepares for their matches, he reminded them that the hopes and dreams of Fiji rest upon their shoulders, providing a message of unity and strength as they head into this competition. The team is set to face Ireland, China, and Australia in Pool A in Dubai.
This commitment from the government not only strengthens women’s rugby in Fiji but also symbolizes the broader progress toward gender equity in sports. The upcoming tournament presents an opportunity for the Fijiana team to showcase their resilience and talent on an international stage, igniting further inspiration for future generations of female athletes.
In summary, Fiji’s national women’s rugby team is gearing up for the Dubai Sevens with strong governmental support and a growing global interest in women’s rugby, marking a promising future for female athletes in Fiji.
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