Finishing fifth in the Dubai 7s last week has motivated the Telecom Fijiana team to come out in the top four in the next leg of the Women’s Sevens Series in Sydney in February.

Captain Ana-Maria Roqica said it is not easy being a leader and role model for the team but she has seen a change in the players’ attitude and approach to the game.

“It has been tough ever since I started and I am happy where I am today,”she told the PACMAS Women In News and Sports workshop at the Tanoa Plaza yesterday.

“Being a captain is not an easy job because a lot of it has to do with attitude.

“I am so happy. For the last two years, we never were in the top six, we always finished in eighth place.  So to finish in fifth spot in Dubai was a proud moment for me and the girls.

“It was team spirit and teamwork and the love of rugby that has brought us this far. We were disappointed when we lost to England in the Cup quarter final, but I know that is where the Lord put us and that has motivated us to push for fourth place at the Sydney 7s.

“I personally believe we can do better than what we achieved in Dubai. I can see that the girls want to move up the ranks.”

Facing off with a tough team like Canada, who won a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, was not an easy task as Roqica had to motivate the girls.

“I told the girls to forget about the Canadian team winning bronze in Rio. We are just like them and we needed this win.

“I’ve seen a lot of improvements with the team even though some are tired and hurt but we kept moving forward.”

The team will resume camp on Monday to prepare for the Coral Coast 7s next month.

Edited by Osea Bola

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