Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua player, Siteri Rasolea says she quit playing rugby because of negative comments on social media and only started again about three years ago to motivate other girls.
While speaking during a panel discussion organised by the Fijian Media Association's Women in Media, Rasolea says she only came back with the motivation of thinking that there is another little girl watching her and wants to play rugby because she sees her and she thinks that if Rasolea can play then so can she.
She says she got a bit emotional because when she started she was not getting paid, did not get much media support, especially when she was a larger girl and was also getting negative comments on social media.
She says it is always important for her to have a safe space and pray.
Rasolea says she is fortunate to have a brother who also played rugby so she goes to him for advice as he has also played at an elite level and knows the pressure.
Rasolea who has also played for the Queensland Reds says the choice to come and play in Fiji was easy because this is home.
She adds her advice to anyone who is playing rugby at high school level is to always remind themselves of why they are playing and hold those values close to their heart.
She says do not change because this world is changing and hold your family close to your heart.
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