Vilimaina Naituku, a former national athlete, has demonstrated her extraordinary speed and endurance by making a successful transition from long-distance running to rugby. The 20-year-old played a crucial role in her team’s victory at the Fiji Bitter Savusavu 7s held at Ganilau Park on Saturday, earning the title of best player of the match.
Previously, Naituku represented Fiji in athletics at the 2019 Pacific Games, where she established her personal best in long-distance running. In the rugby match, she scored two tries, showcasing her ability to outpace defenders despite the challenging muddy conditions.
After leading her team, Ezers woman, to a 17-5 victory over Tagimoucia Ranadi in the final, Naituku attributed the win to strong communication among her teammates. “I thank the girls for communicating with each other, which led us to victory. I also thank the Lord that there were no injuries despite the wet conditions,” she commented.
Rugby has always been a part of Naituku’s life, and as she noted, her background in athletics made the transition to rugby feel seamless. “Since there is a lot of running involved, I mean why not play it?” she stated, reflecting on her shift to this dynamic sport.
Naituku’s impressive performance and her team’s back-to-back victories underscore not only their strength and teamwork but also her potential for greater achievements in rugby. With her remarkable speed as her greatest advantage, Naituku is focused on continuous improvement and leaving a lasting mark in the sport.
This story illustrates the exciting journeys athletes can undertake, highlighting how skills from one sport can effortlessly translate into success in another. Naituku’s determination and passion for rugby provide a hopeful outlook for her burgeoning career in the sport.
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