Unaisi Lalabalavu motivated by family support

Family support has always been one of the biggest motivations for Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s hooker Unaisi Lalabalavu and also pushes her to keep striving for the better.

During an interview with fijivillage News, the emotional Lalabalavu says during her rugby journey, her family will go the distance to support her, especially during game days when they would make their way to the grounds just to cheer her on.

Lalabalavu says the support she receives always boosts her morale whenever she goes out to play.

The 20-year-old made her Super Rugby Women’s debut for the Drua Women last week when they beat the Reds 32-21 in round 1 of the competition and dedicated her achievement to her family.

She says coming into this professional environment and playing alongside some of the experienced players has helped develop her knowledge of the game.

The former Sigatoka Methodist College student says leaving school, she had always set her sights on representing the Drua Women and to be selected to be in the squad this year, is a dream come true for her.

Originally from Cuvu village in Nadroga, Lalabalavu represented Nadroga in the ANZ Marama Cup Championship back in 2022 and made her way through to the Drua Women's extended squad before earning her place in the main squad this year.

She says she had a bit of positional change when she joined the Drua as she used to play loose forward and now she is playing hooker which she is enjoying.

Lalabalavu adds the team have set their target this year and that is to defend their title for the third year in a row and they are working hard towards that goal.

The Drua Women will play the Waratahs at 3.35pm this Saturday in what is a double header as the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men will be playing the Waratahs at 1.05pm both at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

In other Super Rugby Women’s matches, the Brumbies will take on the Rebels at 6.05pm Friday and the Western Force will play the Reds at 6.05pm Saturday.

Other Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific matches this weekend will see the Hurricanes will host the Rebels at 6.05pm Friday, the Brumbies will take on Moana Pasifika at 8.35pm Friday, the Chiefs will take on the Highlanders at 3.35pm Saturday, the Blues will play the Crusaders at 6.05pm Saturday and Western Force will take on the Reds at 8.35pm Saturday.