From Japan’s second largest island Hokkaidō, watching the Fijian sevens team play during international tournaments has always been an enjoyable experience for Ano Kuwai.

Now in Fiji for three weeks, Ms Kuwai was able to see first-hand Fiji’s rugby style when referring to the 46 th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s.

“I really love the Fiji rugby style both men and women display when they are on the field. Especially when they do offloads and pass the ball to the next player without even looking. It really amazes me when this kind of rugby style that only Fiji can display so well,” she said.

Ms Kuwai plays prop for the Arukas Queen Kumagaya Women’s rugby team in Japan.

Her first encounter with the Fijian sevens team was during the 2018 Rugby World Cup Seven where she met Jerry Tuwai.

“He was very famous amongst the seven players and it was nice seeing how he handled his team mates on and off the field.”

Ms Kuwai started refereeing seven months ago and took up the opportunity to referee at the 46 th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s.

Back home, the 32 year – old is the only one in the family that plays rugby.

She said family support towards her rugby career have always helped her achieve her goals.

Her first international tournament was in the 2013 Hong Kong sevens

“Since I am the only one in my family that plays rugby, my sister’s children have started to follow my footsteps into playing rugby. I like playing rugby because it is a very exciting game.

“I was doing discus throwing before then I started playing rugby at 22 years old. I played several local tournaments in Japan before I was selected to play in the 2016 Olympics,” she said.

While this is Ms Kuwai’s first time in Fiji, she plans to return to referee more local tournaments