Roela Radiniyavuni has not strayed from her humble beginnings says her cousin Rusila Adiraica.

Radiniyavuni, 32 is from Naseuvou, Waidina in Naitasiri and is the eldest of three siblings.

“Her mother’s struggle in bringing up her children single handedly is what motivates Radiniyavuni,” Adiraica said.

Adiraica who lives in Caubati says Radiniyavuni’s mother Adi Lidia Rovakula is her greatest fan.

Radiniyavuni had lived with her other grandmother Adi Tanai Rosalia in Qauia, Lami, where she played friendly rugby matches around the Lami area.

One of her greatest supporter, grandmother Ro Vatiseva Maria Tinanikalou of Caubati Housing holding a picture Roela Radiniyavuni. Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

In 2012 she joined the Marist Rugby Club.

In 2016, the former DAV Girls college made her debut in her sevens career playing in the World Rugby Series.

She represented Fiji in the 15s rugby sevens, she played rugby league in 2019.

Radiniyavuni now lives with her extended family in Caubati Housing.

Roela Radiniyavuni with her mother Adi Lidia Rovokula at their village in Naseuvou, Waidina in Naitasiri.

“She is humble and obedient and her achievements rugby is no surprise,” Adiraica said.

“She is not one of those that boasts about being in the sevens, she just stays humble with her achievements.”

“Her status and chiefly links sets her apart.

“This has helped shape her. When she has no bus fare to training, she won’t ask us for money she will walk. It is only when we ask, then she will tell us.

“Sometimes we only get to know about her selection when we see it in the news. Just like her selection to the Fijiana Drua. She does this to avoid us from preparing her a sendoff.

“With whatever she makes, she always give back to her family in the village.

“After returning with the sevens bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, she helped extend her family home in Naseuvou village. She also bought an electric oven for her mother.

Roela Radiniyavuni with her mother Adi Lidia Rovokula (left) and grandmother Ro Vatiseva Maria Tinanikalou after her return from Tokyo Olympics.

“These are just some examples of how rugby has helped her support her family back in the village because she does not want to be a burden to her mother.”

During the finals match with the Waratahs, immediate families gathered in Caubati to watch the game.

“Her grandmother Ro Vatiseva Maria Tinanikalou is her biggest fan, whenever she sees her on TV, she would cheer the loudest.”

Radiniyavuni aims to be part of the Fijiana 15s Rugby World Cup team in New Zealand later this year.