For parents Bulou Joma and Joji Seqa, taking Joma Rubuti under their care after their three sons was a special moment.

“She is our only daughter sent to us by God when she was just two months going to three,” mum Bulou Joma said.

“We raised her after she was abandoned by her parents. We are her parents because we nurtured her and we are blessed,” she said.

Proud parents from left: Bulou Joma (mother) and Joji Seqa (father)of Nauluvatu settlement in Suva, holding medals won by their daughter Joma Rubuti who plays prop for the Fijiana Drua. Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

Before rugby, her parents had plans for Joma to secure work to support the family.

“She is our special girl; rugby has taken her Samoa and now to Australia for their debut in the SuperW competition.

Originally from Yakita, Yawe in Kadavu, mum Bulou Joma disclosed that their daughter has been into rugby since high school. .

“We had wanted to further her studies and get a job but this did not go to plan because she is just into rugby,” she said.

“When she was at the Fiji National University, most of her friends played rugby, we spoke to her and asked what she wanted to do in life – her answer was rugby.

“While at Suva Grammar School she started playing rugby and her interest grew from there.”

Her first international outing was in the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa. She played rugby sevens.

“Watching her on television playing for the Fijiana Drua was heartwarming, recalling the struggles she went through to get there, to win the SuperW in their debut.

“She was dedicated; she would wake up at 3am when it was still dark outside to train. When she had no bus fare, she would walk to training.

“I saw her picture in the front page of the Fiji Sun newspaper and when they won we were just proud of the Fijiana Drua’s achievement.

“She video called on Sunday and we thanked her and the team for their win.”

Joma had attended Vishnu Deo Primary School, she lives in Nauluvatu along Reservoir Road in Suva with her extended family.