Losing her mother at 12 years was one of the hardest times life had to offer Wainikiti Beku. But luckily rugby saved her.

She vividly remembers her late Mum would scold her so often for going to watch the men in the village play rugby instead of helping with household chores.

The 21-year-old of Rararua, Nadroga native made her debut for the Fijiana XV during the Asia/Oceania regional qualification tournament in Hong Kong.

“Rugby saved me when I was young as it’s the only sport that made me happy and I found comfort in since Mum died,” Beku said.

“Now it’s my passion and I plan to pursue my dream of being a good rugby player.”

Beku, who plays for the Nadi Blazers Club, faced many challenges trying to make it into the team

“I faced many challenges especially when people make negative comments,” she said.

“I do not take it to heart and just make sure to look on the bright side of things and work hard to be a good rugby player.

“I want my family to be happy and proud of me. I’m always motivated by the fact that if Mum was alive she would be standing beside me and supporting me all the way in every game I play.

Vilisi Vakaloloma

Vakaloloma, who also made her debut in Hong Kong, said: “It’s a different ball game altogether when we played International games as it was like another level of competition.

“My love for rugby started when I used to watch my brothers play rugby in Votualevu as a little girl.”

She instantly felt in love with the sport her brothers invited her to play with them.

The Vugalei, Tailevu native said: “At school I usually felt left out as I did not have much friends but rugby was something that kept me safe and always made me dream big.

“One of the most challenging issues I faced was the stigma that men can only play this sport and not women.

“That did not deter me from pursuing my love for rugby. I was even more determined to prove them wrong. I believe playing rugby is the way forward for me and I aim to go as far as I can go.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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