SOLOMON Islands women’s sevens rugby player Salote Vatutuku enjoyed the experience of playing in Fiji for the Ezers Club during the McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s tournament.
“I played rugby in Solomon Islands because I wanted to motivate other players,” Vatutuku told SUNsports at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.
“Where we live the sport is not popular, it’s mostly soccer so my siblings and I had to motivate others for us to join our club back at home.”
The 16-year-old joined the Solomon Islands Women’s Sevens Team since she is a permanent resident.
“We live there, my father works there, and we took some of the Ezers players to come play with us,” she said.
“That really gave us the spotlight and we had to join the national team. Solomon Islands rugby is developing slowly, they have the talent but it’s really not popular right now. I’m just trying to balance academics and rugby with time management.”
Vatutuku has set a target to improve her skill set and become a better player.
“I’ve been playing rugby for six years now and I took part in the Oceania Sevens rugby tournament for the Solomon Islands team last month.
“I was injured during the Pacific Games in 2023, so I didn’t play but my siblings took part.”
Vatutuku said she felt good representing another country in sevens rugby to promote the development of the sport.
“It’s a great opportunity to play for them (Solomon Islands). I’m really happy to play in Fiji for the first time, playing in front of family and friends.
“I live in the Western Province of Noro in Solomon Islands, and I’d like to thank my family back in Solomons for their support,” she added.
By Ioane Asioli
Fiji Sun
