Krystelle Thaggard, an 18-year-old rugby player from Vatukaroa Village in Cakaudrove, experienced the thrill of facing her idol, Stacey Waaka, during the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament held at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. The young athlete expressed her excitement, saying, “I was super proud to see and play against her. I shook her hand, and she told me that it was a good game, so I was excited.”

This tournament marked Thaggard’s debut at the Coral Coast event, where she plays as a prop for the Lava City Savusavu women’s team. Despite it being her first experience in this tournament, she found immense value in the opportunity it presented, stating, “I learned a lot of skills from other players, and it was a completely new environment for our players.”

Thaggard’s passion for rugby ignited when she watched the Fijiana team on television, inspiring her to push the boundaries of what women can achieve in sports. Having only started her rugby journey three years ago, she hopes to follow in her idol’s footsteps and someday wear the national team’s white jersey. “I aspire to don the white jersey in the future. I have to train every day and improve on my weakness from this tournament,” she mentioned.

In addition to her athletic ambitions, Thaggard expressed a desire to become a physical education teacher, aiming to inspire younger generations to engage in sports alongside their academic pursuits. She offered sound advice to fellow youths, encouraging them to set their goals and manage their time effectively. Thaggard acknowledged her family’s unwavering support, thanking them for always motivating her to chase her dreams.

Thaggard’s story reflects a growing trend in Fijian women’s rugby, where young players aspire to higher levels of competition and contribute positively to the sport. Skepticism regarding women’s participation in rugby is gradually fading as more girls take up the sport and prove their capability on the field.

In summary, Krystelle Thaggard’s journey, characterized by her enthusiasm for rugby and aspirations for the future, serves as an inspiring example for young athletes everywhere. Her story sheds light on the potential for empowerment through sports—a promising narrative that encourages further growth in women’s rugby in Fiji.