Twenty-one-year-old Salanieta ‘Big Shirley’ Nabuli has secured a significant rugby opportunity as part of the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7’s team for the 2023 WXV. Hailing from Vatubalavu village in the remote highlands of Navosa, Nabuli has made history as the first female player from her village to join the national women’s rugby side.
Nabuli began her rugby career with the Navosa Women’s rugby team last year and has since earned selection to participate in the WXV tournaments held in Japan and Dubai. She expressed her excitement about traveling such distances and even enjoyed trying real sushi for the first time.
After leaving Dudley High School in Form 6, Nabuli chose to support her parents on their family farm. She has no regrets about her decision to step away from school, feeling a responsibility as the eldest of three siblings and the only girl to assist her family. In addition to helping with household chores and farming, she also managed to attend rugby training sessions in the afternoons.
Reflecting on her journey, Nabuli expressed gratitude for the strong support from her family and friends, who have fueled her ambition as a prop. “My family has always been supportive. They’ve encouraged me to improve every day, both as a person and as a player,” she stated.
Being in training camps, she is reminded by her loved ones to maintain discipline and to listen to her coaches, recognizing this opportunity as a vital chance to represent her country and make them proud.
Nabuli, a true highland girl, has a deep fondness for leafy green vegetables, especially rourou (taro leaves). Her strength and conditioning coach, Mere Moto, humorously noted Nabuli’s frequent requests for rourou even outside regular meal times, highlighting how much she misses her home.
She looks up to rugby star Semi Radradra, aiming to emulate his skill in her own game. Nabuli emphasizes the importance of obedience and discipline for success in her current role, encouraging young athletes to value their parents’ guidance. “For sure, God will bless us in many ways just like how he has blessed me to play for Fiji,” she concluded.