The passion that 30-year-old Livia Naidei has for rugby is what drives her to work harder and make sacrifices which now has finally paid off after being selected in the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s extended squad that is preparing for next week’s Dubai 7s.
The Yaroi Village, Savusavu woman says she has dedicated most of her time to rugby since she started playing the sport in 2009. Nadei says despite the challenges she faced over the years, her focus on excelling in the sport remained, and she is on the verge of achieving her goal.
The former Savusavu Secondary School student began her rugby journey in Savusavu before moving to Suva, where she continued her rugby career.
Naidei says she is confident in the team’s preparation for the upcoming Dubai 7s and the players are aware of the responsibility they carry when they step onto the field.
Naidei was also part of the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women from 2022 to 2023.
Meanwhile, the Fijiana 7s presented their i-tatau today to the Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru at the Vodafone Arena and will leave for Dubai on Sunday.
The Dubai 7s will be held from next Saturday to the 2nd of December.
The Fijiana 7s will take on Ireland at 5.44pm next Saturday in their first pool match, they will then play Australia at 9.05pm next Saturday and they will then play China at 1.13am next Sunday morning.
The women’s cup quarter finals will kick off at 5.20pm next Sunday, the semi finals will start at 9.12pm next Sunday and the cup final will be at 3.35am Monday 2nd December.
