When the Vodafone Fijiana XV faced the Wallaroos in their recent Test match, it marked a poignant farewell for prop Anasimeci Korovata, who has decided to hang up her rugby boots after three years with the team. Korovata is shifting her focus from rugby to a career in nursing, a field she feels passionately about.
Describing her decision as difficult, Korovata shared that extensive thought and prayer were key contributors to her choice, alongside discussions with her parents. “It has been a lot of praying about it, a lot of talking to my parents about it, but I’m finally at peace with the decision,” she stated.
Reflecting on her last game, Korovata expressed the emotional weight of the occasion. “Once the whistle blew, it kind of hit me,” she reminisced. The camaraderie built with her teammates during her time in the team has left a lasting impression on her. “Just meeting everyone has been my biggest highlight; they obviously love playing rugby, and I’m blessed to be here in the position I am,” she conveyed.
Korovata emphasized the importance of planning for life after sports, highlighting, “Rugby doesn’t last forever; it’s a very short period in our lives, make sure you have something to fall back on.”
This sentiment echoes similar transitions seen in other athletes, such as Akosita Ravato-Marr, who also retired from rugby to focus more on family, exemplifying how athletes often find new paths after their sports careers. Like Korovata, Ravato-Marr’s journey emphasizes balancing personal aspirations with the responsibilities of life beyond the field.
As Korovata embarks on her new journey in nursing, her story serves as an inspiring reminder that change can lead to new opportunities and fulfillment, reflecting resilience and the strength that athletes carry into their next chapters.
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