Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua forward Sereima Leweniqila has witnessed how women’s rugby in Fiji has grown from grassroots to their Super W triumph at AMMI Park in Melbourne on Saturday.
Sereima Leweniqila
The veteran was a regular starter for the side which beat the Waratahs, 32-26, to lift the Super W championship title.
The former captain led the Fijiana 15s in 2016 at the Asia qualifiers.
And seven years later, she created history with the side.
Leweniqila, 31, hails from Nabouno, Udu, Macuata and shares maternal links to Namara, Kadavu.
“It was not an easy match, they were a quality side and champions,” she said.
“They fought hard to keep their championship but I’m proud of the girls that we were able to control the game and came out victorious in the end.
“It’s been an emotional journey, it wasn’t easy; the management knows, the girls know.
“It’s been a roller coaster ride for me as well, but just to come out victorious and see the successes for Fijiana Drua, it’s been overwhelming,”
“I’m really proud; we have made an impact not only in Fiji but over the world and because of the Fijiana Drua and management has done, I think a lot of girls are excited to play,” Leweniqila told FRU Media.
“We have got a lot of fans back at home and around the world. It’s about time now; we have made an impact in 7s and now in 15s.
“So we calling out our sponsors, supporters and whoever listening that women’s rugby is here to stay.”
The soft spoken lady acknowledged coach Senirusi Seruvakula and the Fijiana management for having faith in the team.
“In the beginning no one believed, it was a struggle because we had a lot of newcomers as well but the coach had faith from the beginning and the management.
“He believed we got to win and through the journey the girls started to believe that as well and showed it in the final.”