HARDWORK and dedication is helping the Telecom Fijiana utility Vaiti Waqatabu to overcome challenges in her new sport.
She switched from netball to rugby last year and made her first appearance in the Dubai 7s last month.
Waqatabu said she was still facing challenges adjusting to rugby.
“I find rugby as a challenge and at the same time it is an opportunity and a privilege to be part of the Fijiana team,” she said.
“I wanted to try something new so I decided to give it a go in the Fijiana team.
“Rugby was not part of my plan but until Fiji Rugby Union management approached me to play the sport as I had never played rugby in my entire life.”
She had 60 caps beside her name after representing Fiji in the netball on the international scene from 2009 to 2015.
Waqatabu said she always looked upon Vodafone Fiji 7s captain Osea Kolinisau as her role model.
“It is a more physical sport compared with netball. In netball we have to run 30 metres whereas we have to run 110 metres,” Ra native said.
“It requires a lot of fitness and I am working towards it. It is a challenge for me at the moment.
“If I can get simple basics right and work hard I hope it works out for me.
“I think it is Osea Kolinisau who I treat as my role model and I always look upon him.”
