Lynda Rabeni-Vatuloka, the daughter of the late Flying Fijian and World Sevens player Seru Rabeni, showcased her exceptional talent as a member of the New Zealand team that triumphed over the NZ Cavaliers Under-18 with a score of 27-10, securing the coveted Global Youth Sevens title. This victory not only marked a significant achievement for the New Zealand side but also highlighted Rabeni-Vatuloka’s dedication to the sport she began playing at the tender age of 10 with her community club in Tawa, Wellington.
Carrying her family’s legacy, Rabeni-Vatuloka also honors her Nau Timoci Vatuloka from Drekena, Rewa, and her koro ni vasu is Suvavou. Her journey has not been without challenges; a serious knee injury sidelined her for two seasons. However, her determination led to her return in Year 11, eventually earning her a spot on the New Zealand Under-18 squad.
Participating in her third Global Youth Sevens, Rabeni-Vatuloka described the tournament as one of the most challenging youth competitions, featuring elite teams from diverse regions including Australia, the United States, South Africa, Fiji, Canada, Japan, and China. Despite limited preparation, the New Zealand girls delivered a disciplined performance in the final, showcasing their strong team connection.
“It’s credit to our management and the group we had. There’s no other team I’d rather win with,” said Rabeni-Vatuloka. A standout moment for her was the pool match against NZFiji, where she appreciated the intensity and shared cultural ties among Fijian players across different teams.
With this prestigious international title now on her resume, Rabeni-Vatuloka remains focused on personal growth and her commitment to advancing women’s rugby. Levonah Motuliki, another Fijian player with maternal ties to Komo Kabara in Lau, also contributed to the team’s success, further highlighting the strong representation of Fijian talent on this prominent stage.
The tournament, which concluded last Sunday at Dilworth School in Epsom, Auckland, not only celebrated the skills of young athletes but also emphasized the bright future of women’s rugby, with players like Rabeni-Vatuloka leading the way.
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