Twenty-one-year-old Salanieta ‘Big Shirley’ Nabuli landed a promising rugby contract with the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7’s team last year, positioning herself as a player in the upcoming 2023 WXV tournament. Hailing from Vatubalavu village in the highlands of Navosa, she is the first woman from her village and the remote area to join the national women’s rugby team.
Nabuli began her rugby career with the Navosa Women’s rugby team and quickly earned a spot to compete in WXV events in Japan and Dubai. “I was thrilled to travel that far. I even got to try real sushi,” she expressed.
After leaving Dudley High School at Form 6 to assist her parents on their family farm, Nabuli has no regrets about her decision. As the eldest of three siblings and the only girl, she felt a strong responsibility to support her family.
While managing household chores and helping to cultivate watermelons and other vegetables with her parents and brothers, Nabuli also dedicated time to rugby training in the afternoons. This commitment eventually led her to represent her country on the national stage.
Nabuli attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her family, who have continuously encouraged her to excel both personally and athletically. “My family has always been there for me, pushing me to improve as a person and as a player,” she stated. They remind her to maintain obedience and discipline while in training and to heed the advice of her coaches, viewing this opportunity as a chance to make them proud.
As a true highland girl, Nabuli has a particular fondness for leafy green vegetables, with rourou (taro leaves) being her favorite dish. Even when at the Fijian Drua women’s camp, she often requested rourou, showing how much she cherishes her home. Mere Moto, her strength and conditioning coach, humorously noted, “That’s how much she misses home.”
Aiming to emulate her idol, Semi Radradra, Nabuli is focused on enhancing her skills with each game. “In my current position, what’s essential is obedience and discipline; talent is already there,” she remarked.
To her younger peers, Nabuli offers sage advice: “Let’s continue to listen to our parents while they are still with us. God will bless us in many ways, just as He has blessed me with the opportunity to play for Fiji.”