Miriama Naiobasali looks forward to good 2016/2017 Women Sevens Series.

The Naruto, Waimaro, Naitasiri native who switched from football to rugby this year is working hard on her role as a finisher.

“When I first switched from soccer to rugby the transition was hard at first because in soccer we’ve 11 players,”Naiobasali said.

“But in 7s all seven players have to work hard for each other and for me as a wing, I’m glad I have a strong athletics background.”

The former Jasper Williams High School sprinter talked about her learning experience from her first international tournament in Sao Paulo in Brazil and in Dubai this month.

“After missing out on for the 2016 Rio Olympics I know I have to learn more and there is still a long way to go since I’m young.

“The bonding in the team is good and I want to thank the team management for their support and moulding me to be a successful rugby player,” she added.

The 20-year old, who will be turning 21 tomorrow, has maternal links to Viseisei, Village in Vuda and is following her uncle’s footsteps to be a successful rugby player. Her uncles are former Flying Fijians Ifereimi Rawaqa and Taniela Rawaqa.

“My main aim now is to book a spot for Sydney 7s, I know competition is tough but I will do my best and make my family proud.

“Nothing is hard in this world we just have to believe in ourselves,” she said.

Sydney Sevens

The women’s series will kick-off on January 27-28 with the men’s competition running on January 28-29 in the Allianz and Kippax Stadiums.

“I expect Sydney is going to be massive, World Rugby commentator Sean Maloney said.

“There’s a massive broadcast push behind it. The whole city embraced the sevens last time and the city is in love, not just with the Aussie women’s team, but the game of sevens itself.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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