Many consider rugby as just a sport. But for Sereima Lewaniqila, the oval ball game provides life-challenging experience, builds character and prepares players to be better persons.

“Rugby builds character and will take you on a journey that will last a lifetime,” Lewaniqila said.

“In the end, all that you go through if you keep on the right path, focus and be determined, you will surely reap what you sow.”

Last week, the 29-year-old captained the Fiji Airways Fijiana XV team to qualify for the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

This was after they beat Manusina (Samoa) 41-13 in the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship qualifier at Churchill Par, Lautoka.

The Nabouono, Macuata native aspires to make a difference for women through rugby.

Education

Lewaniqila attended Veiuto Primary School and Suva Grammar School.

She later completed her final year of high school at Wesley College in New Zealand.

While studying Health Science at Otago University, her plan to pursue a career in medicine took a twist when her mother fell sick.

She returned to Fiji to continue her studies at the University of the South Pacific pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree.

But Lewaniqila lost interest in her studies and her intention was to join the Royal Navy but got rejected twice.

To her, the rejection was a blessing in disguise as it allowed her to be with her mother Miriama who was sick and later died.

Motivation:

“I got to spend a few more years with her and it was my mother who was a lecturer at the Fiji National University,” Lewaniqila said.

“My greatest motivation on one side was my mother, who had pushed me to work hard in school and reminded me of how vital education is.

“That was a life changing experience for me; it was like I was in a black hole after losing her.

“Back than I didn’t know where I was or what I would do.

“But with the support from my dad, my nau (grandmother) and kuku (grandfather), I found balance, the most important part in my life which was God.

“With God I always saw everything was purpose driven and that everything happens for a reason.”

Sereima Lewaniqila with her sisters Serona (left) and Evalita and their nephew Gideon . Photo: Sereima Lewaniqila

Accomplishment

Her greatest accomplishment was captaining the Fiji Airways Fijiana XV team and qualifying for the 2021 RWC.

At one point she approached the team manager and coach to withdraw completely from the team.

“It was not an easy journey but some would say it was hard work, for me it was God and the people who were always their for me,” she added.

Breaking barriers

Lewaniqila believes that women involved in sports represent strength, power and hope especially in a place ruled by culture and customs.

“I am not saying culture and customs are bad, it’s our identity. But the image of a woman playing some kind of sports shows so much power and strength,” Lewaniqila said.

“It makes you believe that I also can do it.

“Being persistent won’t be easy, I played at a time where you would come out to play and we would be jeered and sworn at, I’m glad times have slowly changed.”

Influence in rugby

There are various people that Lewaniqila attributes her success to.

They were her father and two sisters.

“A good support system at home in terms of family and friends are my stronghold so whatever challenges I face, I’m glad they stood by me,” she said.

Her coaches Seremaia Bai, Elenoa Kunatuba and Alivereti Doviverata who she says unlocked the way she saw things mostly the way to becoming a better player.

“They are brilliant coaches, and their methods of training are different,” she said.

“They saw something in me when I started playing and kept tapping into it.

“I seriously would have quit a few years back but they kept pushing or kept counselling me.”

Challenge:

In terms of challenges in training, Lewaniqila said it was not easy trying to balance between work and training.

She is currently working as an operations loans officer (commercial) at the customer loan processing support at Westpac.

“Often at times it takes a toll on you, trying to cover your hours and next thing you know you’re changing at the back of the taxi trying not to miss a single session in training,” she said.

“You tend not to sleep or eat well at times. I am entirely grateful to my Westpac team especially my boss and my work mates who has to cover my work for me while I’m away at training, camping or at games.”

Message:

“Grow a thick skin, critics are just waiting to pounce on you. The same people that praise you when times are good are the same ones that will criticise you when you lose. When the women’s team lose the comments are worse,” she added.

But the journey has been an enjoyable one for her and hopes to be a good role model for young women who are vying to take up rugby as a sport.

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: karalaini.tavi@fijisun.com.fj