Nasali trades track shoes with rugby boots

Former Adi Cakobau School sprint queen Imeri Nasali is hoping to make a name in rugby. 

The 19-year-old made her first run with the NaDraki Amazon Lilian side at the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s yesterday. 

Nasali said she was grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team which gave her valuable exposure early in her rugby journey.

“I was a bit nervous, but I’m glad to be playing alongside experienced players,” Nasali said.

She added playing with senior players and competing against international teams boosted her confidence on the field.

Nasali acknowledged that training was not always easy, as she and her teammates often had to travel long distances to prepare.

“Sometimes it’s difficult not just for me, but for the whole team because we travel from different villages just to train and prepare ourselves,” she said.

Having recently completed high school, Nasali hopes to pursue a career in rugby, a sport she has been passionate about since growing up.

“For now, I’ve just finished high school, but rugby is my passion,” she said.

Her advice to young players is simple: “Keep training hard and never, ever doubt yourself.”