Facing critics on social media is one of the major challenges encountered by Fijiana 15s forward, Sereima Leweniqila, but she has learnt to keep a strong face and move on.

Leweniqila shared her story at the Women in Leadership workshop hosted by the Australian Federal Police and Pacific Faculty of Policing for talented female leaders within the Fiji Police Force.

She talked about her rugby journey and experiences in the leadership role as the Fijiana 15s captain and co-captain.

Leweniqila hails from Nabouno, Udu, Macuata and shares maternal links to Namara, Kadavu.

“The hardest part is the game itself,” Leweniqila said.

“When I first started, there were critics about women who play rugby. That has changed now over the years.”

“I try to balance my work and rugby,” she said.

“Women in rugby have improved, basically the support; there is more support and interest now.”

“People have started to see now that women can play rugby.”

Leweniqila was first captain in 2016 at the Asia Qualifiers and has been co-captain with Leilani Burnes. She is also in coach Senirusi Seruvakula’s squad preparing for the women’s Rugby World Cup next year in New Zealand.

Unlike many girls who do not have the support of their families to play rugby, her family members are her support system.

“With God, my family pushed me through the challenges.”

“It is my dad, two sisters and grandma who are always supporting me.”

She hopes to inspire younger women to play rugby in future.

“I’m more of a doer than a talker, somehow they learn from the way I do things and I hope that I am a good role model to aspiring rugby players.”

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj