The youngest player in the Fijiana rugby XVs team is Laisa Taga, a lock forward who is looking forward to her first overseas trip.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Taga said: “I never thought that one day I would go on and be part of the national side.

“I have never flown out of the country so this will be my first and I’m definitely looking forward to it. I’m still new to rugby and my parents only found out that I had started playing when they read the papers.

“The game has brought out real great values in me especially just being around the girls and knowing that they have just been through much more in life. So the experience is like no other.”

The 19-year-old nursing student and Striders club player said she does not find juggling her school work and training stressful because of her interests.

“Preparation is quite challenging knowing that I have to attend classes at the nursing school and then coming here to train. So trying to find a balance in both has been quite fun. I don’t find it stressful because when you like something you go for it and I’m passionate about nursing and rugby.”

For Taga, playing competitive sports at international level is something that is in her blood. Her grandfather Navitalai and dad Mosese Taga are former national rugby representatives. Her late aunt and namesake Laisa was a former national sprinter who represented the country to the Commonwealth Games.

Young Taga acknowledged those who have supported her rugby career and says she always look up to coach Seremaia Bai, who is a good role model.

“Seremaia Bai does not tell us about good values, he puts it into action and it goes down to his family as well.

“I’m grateful to all the support that people are giving me especially from the team and my lecturers for allowing me to come and play,” she added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  stella.moresio@fijisun.com.fj