Fijiana 7s team manager Vela Naucukidi described her journey as a women’s development officer as a tough ride.
“God has been faithful right through the journey,” she said.
“It’s not easy, and should be a lesson to all of us going through any situation right now; we should keep the faith, believe in our dreams, persevere until the end.”
Naucukidi joined the Fiji Rugby Union in July 2015 and has been instrumental in driving the positive growth of women’s rugby from grassroots to national level across the country.
In 2018 Vela completed a World Rugby Women’s Leadership course, presented at the Women in Media seminar for Oceania Rugby and UN Women before she stepped in as team manager for the Fiji Airways Fijiana XVs tour to Australia, all while continuing to develop and grow the women’s game in Fiji.
“Nothing comes easy,” she said.
“It takes a lot of work behind the scene, the support from the board and CEO, the staff at FRU, all provincial unions, secondary schools associations for women’s rugby to be where we are now.
“They welcome us into their space, and tremendously hard to break barriers, push boundaries, make waves in the communities so the gate keepers can allow their daughters to play the sport.”
As her family celebrate her achievement, Vela thanked them for the support given to her family when she was away for national duties for five months.
“Just want to thank the Lord for bringing everyone (family and loved ones) to celebrate with me.
“Big vinaka vakalevu to my inlaws for organising this celebration and recognising the success.
“Special thank you for their looking after my daughters when I was away for months.
“That was huge for me enabling me to do my work properly on tour and not worry about things at home.”
