Litiana Vueti, a young rugby player from Visoto, Ovalau, has expressed her deep gratitude after making her debut for the Vodafone Fijiana XV against Tonga during the Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship at Lawaqa Park. Vueti’s debut was a heartfelt milestone, which she attributes to divine guidance, stating, “I thank God for this talent and also thank the coaches for trusting and believing in me.”
Emphasizing her faith, she noted, “Before the tournament started, I had faith that there would be space for me. I’m so grateful the coach gave me that chance in our first game.” The talented full-back showcased her skills, demonstrating impressive composure and scoring Fiji’s second try with a well-executed sidestep against Tonga’s defense. Though she acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in her kicking, her overall performance was promising, hinting at her potential to become a key player in the national team.
The Fijiana XV conducted themselves admirably in the match, successfully defending their Oceania title with a commanding 59-5 victory over Tonga. This victory marks a significant achievement for the team, especially with Vueti’s impressive debut alongside other newcomers, reflecting the continuous growth of women’s rugby in Fiji. Vueti aims to build on this initial success and represents a hopeful future for the sport as the Fijiana XV prepares for their next test match against the USA next month.
With stories of emerging talents like Vueti, along with seasoned players, the women’s rugby scene in Fiji looks promising. The Fijiana XV hope to inspire future generations of female athletes, fostering a strong, supportive community around women’s sports. Vueti’s journey, grounded in faith and hard work, exemplifies the spirit and determination needed to rise in competitive athletics.
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