Vodafone Fijian 7s rep Jasa Veremalua and his fiancé Vani Volavola plan to marry after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in August.

Ms Volavola, who hails from Yadua Village in Nadroga, said the focus now was Fiji winning the gold medal. She is confident Jasa will make the cut.

“We are planning to get married after Rio because Jasa’s focus is Rio and that’s our plan,” she said.

“I really don’t mind waiting. I know his goal is Rio and I want to support him in that and if that means holding off our wedding, so be it.

“I know there will be a lot of competition for spots in the team and I know how much it means to him to get into the final squad.

“With all the support from me, his family and my family, I believe anything can happen, so fingers crossed.”

The duo attended Sigatoka Methodist College, began their relationship four years ago. Veremalua popped the question to the 26-year-old in January.

“It was quite funny because we were in the same class in primary school at Sigatoka Methodist but we split up in high school because he took science and I took commerce,” she said.

“There had always been something there and I was attracted to him because he didn’t drink or anything and was strong and religious.”

Volavola said being the partner of a 7s player was not easy as players tend to be more focused on their training and trips away from home. But Volavola said she has been fortunate enough to adapt to Jasa’s busy schedule.

“When he joined the team for the first time and he started travelling, it was different and hard,” she said.

“But then you slowly get used to it because it’s only for two weeks.

“Jasa and I have a good thing going on. He is always there and supports me in whatever I do and in return I support him and will always be there for him.”

Volavola will graduate with a Bachelor of Accounting from the Fiji National University in April.

She believes the wives, fiancés, girlfriends and parents play an important role in the players’ rugby career.

“I strongly believe that as a girlfriend, fiancée or a wife, we play a very crucial role,” Volavola said.

“I think that without us or their families, they wouldn’t be where they are now.

“It all starts from home and if everything is fine at home their performance will improve on the field.

“We know the immense pressure they have in training and trying to be in top form.

“As their partners for life, it is our job to continuously support them, win or lose.” Edited by Osea Bola

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