At 37 years old, Filorina Kasami’s rugby career is just taking off.
Kasami played a key role for the FMF Suva women’s team this season, helping them secure the ANZ Marama Championship for the third consecutive year.
Her performance in the front row earned her the I.Naiveli and Co Chartered Account Most Improved Player award in the senior team.
Originally from Namatakula in Baravi, Nadroga, Kasami only started playing rugby at the age of 31.
“I could say I started late because after Year 12, I left school and stayed in the village full time. An uncle of mine, Luke Erenavula, told me I couldn’t stay in the village doing nothing all my life. He said I could do something worthwhile, and he introduced me to rugby,” she shared.
Erenavula, a former Fiji 7s star, helped the nation win the Melrose Cup in 1997. He was 32 at that time, and now his niece is following in his footsteps.
“There were a lot of critics when I started playing rugby. Some said it wasn’t a suitable sport for me because I am a woman, but I pursued it regardless because I knew the talent I had and believed that one day I would don the white jumper.”
Kasami joined the Marist Rugby club and worked her way into the main Suva team, making her debut in 2022.
“Everything happens according to God’s timing. I am at an age where people would not expect me to play rugby, but I thank God for giving me the talent and strength to be part of this team and win the Marama Championship for three years in a row.”
“I hope for greater opportunities. I have a family with three kids who have always supported me throughout my career,” she added.
Meanwhile, the most improved player in the under-20 team was awarded to former Suva Sangam student Naomi Raqauqau.