Nakesa’s dream of flying in a plane came true in 2023

What was once a dream became a reality for Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s lock forward Mereoni Nakesa in 2023 when she finally had her first overseas trip in an aeroplane while playing in the Super W competition.

While speaking to fijivillage Sports, Nakesa says in high school, she always prayed to God that one day, she would be flying overseas.

She says that dream came true when she was scouted by the Fijian Drua women in 2023 while playing for the Nadi Women’s Rugby in the ANZ Marama Championship.

Nakesa says that is something she will cherish for the rest of her life.

She adds that her rugby journey was filled with a lot of challenges, but she chooses to use that as a motivation to help her keep pushing when the going gets tough.

The 21-year-old was part of the Fijian Drua Women’s team that defended the Super W title in 2023.

Nakesa later joined the Vodafone Fijiana 15s side that same year and played 5 international test matches.

She says she is confident that they can win back the Super W title which they lost last year.

Nakesa further says, she has also set her target in playing for the Fijiana 15s side in the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup this year.

The Drua Women will kick start their 2025 campaign against the Waratahs on Friday 28th February at 5.05pm in Sydney.