ACS Student Ready for Super W

Seventeen-year old Noelani Baselala is the baby of the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua squad currently camping in Nadi to prepare for the Australia' Super W competition.

The Year 13 student of Adi Cakobau School told SUNsports on Wednesday that she had to work hard to get to where she was now.

"Joining this team wasn't easy," Baselala said.

"I had trained and worked hard to be with these talented girls who wanted this opportunity. I'm honoured to be given this opportunity."

She hails from the village of Solotavui, Nakasaleka, in Kadavu.

She is the younger sister of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua halfback Philip Baselala.

"I started playing in 2022. Like for the sake of playing, I didn't see a future in rugby," she said.

"This is because my parents were strict with education.

"When I started playing, I really liked it. It was different.

"Rugby is just a sport but for some people it is their life or where they get their income.

"I really loved that."

Baselala attended Suva Muslim Primary School, where she played volleyball.

"So, sport was not a thing but education was.

"So, I did a little bit in volleyball but never really got involved since my parents wanted me to take education seriously.

"They trusted me because I told them I wanted to play and continue with my education.

"So that's it for this year."

Her aim this year is to complete her Year 13 with flying colours.

"I want to play in the World Cup next year but for this year I was help the team win the Super W title for the third time," she said.

Baselala got inspiration from her brother Philip, who played two Super Rugby matches last year.

"For Philip being the youngest in the Drua team and making his debut last year inspired me.

"This is because he made us (family) proud. That inspired me to work hard," she added

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