Rusila Camaibure expresses deep gratitude for her parents’ sacrifices, which have enabled her to pursue her academic and sports ambitions. The 20-year-old athlete began her journey with the Kulawai rugby league team in Melbourne, made up of many iTaukei players competing in the Bula Cup.
“I was selected for the Victorian state team, but my background is in rugby union. I’ve come to understand and appreciate rugby league,” she shared during an interview with SUNsports. Camaibure, who comes from Delaidamanu Village in Naitasiri and has maternal ties to Visoqo, Macuata, identifies as a utility player, capable of playing both wing and second row positions.
Her educational path began at Natoaika District School, where she studied from Year One to Eight, followed by Year Nine to 13 at Muaniweni College. Currently, she is enrolled at Yorke Institute in Melbourne, Australia.
Camaibure recounted her initial reaction to receiving an email from the Bulikula team, thinking it was a scam, until she confirmed her selection with the coach, Joe Rabele.
The team’s main objective is to qualify for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Camaibure admitted to feeling anxious about representing her national team, family, and province for the first time. She acknowledged the contrasts between rugby union and rugby league, noting the significant differences in structure and rules.
Being away from her parents has been challenging for her. “Education is what brought me to Melbourne, and I’ve had to make many sacrifices to engage in rugby while being away from them,” she noted.
Camaibure shared that her parents consistently encourage her to prioritize her Christian faith while in Australia. “The journey to becoming a rugby league player is not easy, but I am thankful to God for my parents’ support and guidance,” she stated. She also emphasized the importance of youth understanding that their sacrifices will lead to rewards.