Sinukakala Women Gear Up for Sevens Showdown!

The Sinukakala women’s sevens rugby team is gearing up for the R.C. Manubhai Nataleira 7s tournament, focusing on providing valuable game time for their players. Manageress Esther Koronavatu highlighted in an interview that the squad consists of members from the Nasinu women’s provincial XVs team, who have been training together since November in preparation for this transition from fifteens to sevens rugby.

Despite a low turnout at training sessions attributed to holiday preparations, Koronavatu remains optimistic about their performance. She noted that the team has shown competence by reaching the finals in all matches of the Under 20 Fiji Sports Council 7s series, even claiming victories against formidable teams like the Seahawks.

The squad comprises primarily young players, around the age of 20, who are acclimated to high-intensity games and maintain a rigorous training schedule at Albert Park, supplemented with gym sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Their goal for the tournament is to qualify for the finals and potentially secure a victory in the women’s category. Acknowledging the strength of their competitors, Koronavatu emphasized a commitment to hard work and teamwork.

The team also features players who have represented Fiji nationally, which Koronavatu sees as an advantage in the tournament. With experienced athletes like Silika Qalo and Sera Bolatini recently joining the ranks, along with support from sports science students from Fiji National University, the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

This emerging team not only showcases young talent but also signifies the development of women’s rugby in the region, presenting a hopeful outlook for the future of the sport. As they continue to train and improve, there is a strong possibility of increased competitiveness on the national and international stage.

Overall, the Sinukakala women’s sevens team stands as an inspiring example of dedication and growth in sports, proving that hard work and collaboration can lead to success, regardless of youth and inexperience.