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Late rugby switch pays off for Drua rookie Vilisi Tivalele

From FBC News · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Vilisi Tivalele, a former netball player, has rapidly transitioned to rugby and joined the Fijian Drua Women squad within a year.
  • Tivalele's switch to rugby began after a netball tour in Samoa, leading to strong performances with the Nadroga women's team.
  • Her development through the High Performance Unit program earned her a spot on the Fijian national team and subsequently a contract with the professional Drua Women side.

Just a year ago, Vilisi Tivalele had never played rugby. Now, the former netball player is a member of the McDonald's Fijian Drua Women squad, marking a remarkable and swift rise through the ranks of women's rugby.

I just started rugby last year as soon as I came back from the netball tour in Samoa.

· Vilisi TivaleleTivalele described the beginning of her rugby career, which started shortly after returning from a netball tour.

Tivalele's sporting journey took an unexpected turn after she returned from a netball tour in Samoa last year. She decided to try her hand at rugby with the Nadroga women's team, a decision that quickly evolved from a new challenge into a life-changing opportunity.

"I just started rugby last year as soon as I came back from the netball tour in Samoa," Tivalele stated. She admitted that rugby was never part of her original plans, as she had been focused on netball for years. "I’ve never played rugby… I was focusing on netball."

I’ve never played rugby… I was focusing on netball.

· Vilisi TivaleleTivalele explained her initial lack of experience with rugby, highlighting her prior dedication to netball.

Her strong performances with Nadroga soon led to selection for the High Performance Unit program. There, she honed her skills through daily gym and training sessions. "I got selected to be part of the HPU and then continued doing the everyday program in the gym." Tivalele represented Fijiana at the Oceania Championship this year, where her play caught the attention of Drua Women selectors, resulting in a professional contract.

I got selected to be part of the HPU and then continued doing the everyday program in the gym.

· Vilisi TivaleleTivalele detailed her progression through the High Performance Unit program after joining the Nadroga women's rugby team.

Despite the excitement, Tivalele acknowledged initial intimidation upon joining the professional environment. "I was a little bit scared coming to this level and meeting new girls." However, she is now embracing the challenge and adapting to life within the Drua Women setup. The team is set to open their Super W season against the Waratahs on the 6th of next month.

I was a little bit scared coming to this level and meeting new girls.

· Vilisi TivaleleTivalele shared her initial feelings of apprehension upon joining the professional Fijian Drua Women team.
About this summary

Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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