Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s hopeful Mereseini Leivere is chasing her long-time dream of representing Fiji at the Oceania 7s, which starts Thursday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

The 27-year-old forward is the team’s lone Australian-based player and says she is working hard to make the final squad.

The Nagado, Nadi, native was on the radar of former head coach Iliesa Tanivula but is yet to feature for the senior side.

Leivere says making the final squad will be one of the best achievements in her career since she took up the sport three years ago.

She also hopes it will unlock more opportunities for her to represent the Fijiana in the 2019/2020 HBSC World Series.

“It is a bit more special for me to play for Fiji, the birthplace of my parents and my native country,” Leivere said.

“My friends encouraged me to take up rugby three years ago.

“Since then, I have been part of the team on this journey and I hope to make the cut,” she said.

Leivere’s mum hails from Vanuabalavu in Lau. Her uncle is the famous Fiji Airways Flying Fijians winger Vereniki Goneva.

While being away from home for so long has been challenging for Leivere, she says the camaraderie the Fijiana have developed as a squad has helped her adjust.

This, however, does not affect the fierce competition for places within the team, she says.

“Competition is everywhere and this is a good rivalry,” Leivere said.

“The girls know the standard that we need to achieve and we are helping each other to achieve their position,” she said.

“It is not just competition but how to achieve it.”

Meanwhile, the Fijiana side have also acquired the services of dual international Roela Radiniyavuni.

Radiniyavuni had a stint with the Auckland Warriors in the National Rugby League Women’s competition this year.

Edited by Sheldon Chanel

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