Raijieli Daveua is set to become the first Fiji-born woman in 7s rugby to make her third appearance at the Olympic Games. Daveua has been named in the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s final squad of 15 for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A Fiji Corrections officer, Daveua was a member of the 2020 team that earned a bronze medal in Japan, establishing a new legacy for women’s rugby in Fiji. She also participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the inaugural Fijian team.
In an earlier interview, Daveua expressed her excitement: “If I’m selected, it will be a special moment for me because it is the pinnacle of all sports. I’ll be very blessed and grateful to hit that milestone.”
Among the other players, Sesenieli Donu, who recovered from a severe knee injury two years ago, Lavena Cavuru, Ana Maria Naimasi, Aloesi Nakoci, Laisana Likuceva, and Reapi Uluinasau are preparing for their second Olympic appearance.
For Meredani Qoro, Adi Mereani Rogosau, Talei Wilson, Maria Rokotuisiga, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Kolora Lomani, Verenaisi Ditavutu, and Adi Vani Buleki, Paris 2024 will mark their first Olympic experience.
Fijiana is placed in Pool A along with New Zealand, Canada, and China. The women’s rugby 7s competition at the Paris Olympic Games will commence on July 28.