At just 16 years old, Kalisiana Nabuca is making a significant impact at the 17th Fiji Bitter Savusavu 7s, showcasing her courage, discipline, and passion for rugby as one of the youngest female players in the tournament. A Year 11 student at Saint Bedes College, Nabuca proudly dons the number six jersey for Loloma Heights in the forwards, demonstrating remarkable resilience against opponents who are often older and more experienced.
Nabuca’s journey in rugby is particularly unique as she shares the field with her older sister, playing together on the same team. Growing up in a hardworking family, she draws inspiration from her parents; her mother is employed by the Savusavu Town Council, while her father is a farmer. Their steadfast support has proven pivotal in her pursuit of rugby, even as she strives to balance her academic responsibilities with her sporting aspirations.
Her competitive journey began just last year when she joined Loloma Heights 1, but her love for the game has been long-standing. “I’ve always loved playing rugby,” Nabuca shared, noting that her interest sparked long before she became part of a team. Despite being relatively new to competitive rugby, she has displayed maturity and composure on the field, holding her own in tough matches.
However, the road has not been without difficulties. Nabuca acknowledges the challenges of managing school and rugby, especially given her demanding training schedule. She trains every morning and afternoon from Monday to Saturday, fully committing to both her education and athletics. “There are times when it’s hard to balance school and rugby,” she reflected, emphasizing the importance of focusing on her studies.
Her commitment was put to the test recently when school obligations prevented her from playing in an earlier match. Nonetheless, she and her sister rushed to Ganilau Park after classes to support their teammates. “I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t play yesterday, but I was happy to come and support the girls,” she explained.
Nabuca’s determination paid off when she finally took the field at the Savusavu 7s, an experience she found both special and inspiring. “I’m really grateful for the exposure this tournament gives me,” she said. “Playing here helps me learn and improve, and it motivates me to work harder.”
Looking forward, Nabuca aims to represent Loloma Heights in upcoming Fiji Bitter 7s tournaments and has a long-term goal of securing a spot in the Fijian Drua Women’s squad. With her talent and dedication, it’s clear that she is a young athlete to watch on the rise.
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