New Zealand Under 18 sevens representative Levonah Motuliki has hailed the Global Youth Sevens Tournament as the premier youth competition worldwide, feeling privileged to compete alongside her Fijian teammates, including Lynda Vatuloka-Rabeni, Rupeni Raviyawa, and James Tuituba. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams emerged victorious, a testament to their collective talent and hard work.
Motuliki views her participation in this tournament as an invaluable opportunity to develop alongside some of the best young athletes globally, expressing gratitude for the experience. “I’m really grateful to be playing alongside my Fijian teammates like Lynda, Rupeni, and James. They push me every day, and to win both titles together is something I’ll always be thankful for,” she shared.
Starting her rugby journey at the Auckland Marist Rugby Club at the tender age of five, Motuliki credits her mother for encouraging her into the sport. Her passion quickly grew, leading her to fall in love with rugby. “My mum forced me to play, but I quickly fell in love with the game and never looked back,” she recounted.
An inspiration throughout her career has been former Black Ferns captain Fiao’o Fa’amausili, whose leadership has motivated Motuliki to pursue greater heights in her rugby career. The recent selection to the New Zealand U18 team was a dream realized for her; “I was very excited and shocked. This has been my goal for a long time, so finally making the team meant everything,” she expressed.
Motuliki emphasizes that her faith and the unwavering support from her family across New Zealand and Fiji are crucial to her motivation, especially as she navigates injury recovery and works towards her aspirations on the global stage. With the experience of winning at a prestigious event like the Global Youth Sevens, she feels equipped and eager to advance in her rugby journey, proudly reflecting on her roots and the team that has helped her excel.
Motuliki’s journey embodies the spirit of resilience and the power of teamwork, showcasing the promising future of youth rugby through her accomplishments.
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