The momentum behind girls’ rugby continues to build, thanks in part to rising stars like New Zealand Under 18 representative Lynda Rabeni Vatuloka. Recently, Vatuloka showcased her skills at the 2025 Global Youth 7s, where she observed the remarkable talent and enthusiasm flourishing within the women’s game.
Vatuloka emphasized that the tournament not only displayed high-level athleticism on the field but also highlighted the strong camaraderie among players from various nations. “There’s so much talent with girls in rugby. Watching teams from Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand illustrates how much skill, teamwork, and artistry girls bring to the game. I really hope it continues to grow, and I’d love to see it expand in Fiji as well,” she said.
One of the standout moments for Vatuloka was a thrilling pool match against Fiji, characterized by both intensity and friendly rivalry. She noted, “Every time you see the Fijians, it’s an intense game with all the offloads. But they’re always cheering, no matter what happens. That support really made the games special.”
New Zealand showcased their dominance in the semi-final against Japan, leading 19-0 at halftime. The atmosphere was electric, with Fijian players in the stands adding to the excitement. Vatuloka recounted a light-hearted moment during the match: “After a kick-off, I heard, ‘If you’re tired, don’t be tired, Laura.’ It was funny, but it showed the amazing camaraderie between teams.”
Reflecting on the tournament, Vatuloka feels optimistic about the future of girls’ rugby, believing it is in capable hands. The event concluded with both New Zealand’s girls and boys under 18 teams clinching their respective titles, marking a triumphant week for the sport.
The ongoing development in girls’ rugby demonstrates a bright and promising future, with young athletes like Vatuloka paving the way for greater participation and recognition in the sport.
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