Sereima Leweniqila: Fiji
“Rugby is a team sport, I never was able to lead on my own. It’s always a struggle if you try to do things on your own” she said.
Saturday 16 December 2023 | 14:51
Sereima Leweniqila previously captained the Fijiana Drua and has since been a voice for women’s empowerment in Fijian rugby.
You may have also seen her smiling on Westpac billboards around Fiji. Considering herself as a veteran of the code, Ms Leweniqila began playing when it was not popular for women to play.
Reflecting on her early memories of rugby Ms Leweniqila shared: “When I was in primary school we used to be growled at or gotten a hiding for playing rugby.”
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However, she was drawn to 15s as it felt well placed for her physicality and heart.
“Fifteens is more contact, more physical, more thinking and I guess I love that about the code,” she said.
Throughout her career, she has seen the evolving role of women’s rugby in Fiji, and Fiji in women’s rugby.
“Women’s sports is still young or in the development stages in terms of men in sports, especially in Fiji” she said.
“It is growing fast but it will take more support, education, and exposure for it to fully grow.
“We also have to understand the culture and where women stand in our culture.
“Breaking the bias and getting support won’t be always easy.”
As captain of the Fijiana 15s, Ms Leweniqila felt honoured and privileged to be chosen to lead.
“Rugby is a team sport, I never was able to lead on my own. It’s always a struggle if you try to do things on your own” she said.
When asked about what more can be done to bring more attention to women’s rugby, she encouraged the public to support the team regardless of their outcomes.
“I always strongly believe that the onus is on the athlete to perform exceptionally well, not because they want to be the best, but also because they are women (we always seem to be battling not just on the field but off the field as well - their voice will be heard much louder when they win).
“The sporting bodies need to expose their women athletes more.
“The media should have a good balance of coverage for both men and women in sports.
“More women need to be involved or voted into unions, boards, and administration in their different sporting bodies.”
Ms Leweniqila credits her success to God, discipline, dedication, and sacrifice.
She also acknowledges the importance of networking and relationship building not only within her rugby career, but also in her corporate endeavours.
“It’s about building relationships and communicating,” she advised.
Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj
