Former Fijian Pearls centre Vaiti Waqatabu has taken a leap in her sporting career by joining the Fiji Airways Fijiana XVs team.

The Rewasa, Ra native is also a former Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s rep.

The Fiji Corrections Service officer Class C is also a qualified physical education, music, art and craft teacher.

Waqatabu added she is focusing on her rugby career and she does not have any plans to get back into netball.

“I have fallen so many times just trying to achieve my goals and dreams. But that did not stop me as I continue to push on,” she said.

“I was looking for something challenging, something new to keep me going forward and I have found it.

“I wanted to try something new and I was fortunate to have my mother’s support and encouragement through it all.

“At the moment I am concentrating on fifteens rugby and the training has been tough compared to sevens and netball but I’m taking it as a challenge.

“I wanted to help people through their rehabilitation process which is why I joined the Fiji Corrections Service in 2014.

“I believe God has opened this door for me and like netball, I’ve being given a key role at halfback.”

The Fiji Airways Fijian XVs is coached by Ro Alivereti Doviverata and they will meet the Brumbies on Monday in Canberra and Newcastle on Saturday.

“I would remind young people not to lose hope, God has plans for all of us,” she added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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