14-year-old Kajiana rugby player Yalanieta Diloi, has dreams of representing Fiji someday, whether it be in rugby league or sevens.
Hailing from Tubou, Lakeba in Lau, Diloi told fijivillage sports that her rugby journey began at the age of 11, playing tag rugby in Year 6.
She says her inspiration comes from her father, Viliame Diloi, a former Suva rugby player who introduced her to the game.
In Year 7, she represented the under-13s team, reaching the semi-finals before narrowly losing to Raymer School.
She adds that she later earned selection to represent Suva at the under-13 level — a proud moment for her.
While rugby remains her strongest sport, Diloi says this year she has also seen her talents expand into other areas.
Looking ahead, Diloi plans to attend Adi Cakobau School for her secondary education, where she hopes to continue excelling in rugby.
She plans to serve an 18-month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before pursuing tertiary studies and chasing her dream of playing professional rugby league, with sevens also in her sights.
Now playing in the under-14s, Diloi is looking forward to the Kajiana Rugby Tournament.
The Fiji Kaji and Kajiana Rugby Tournament will be held from the 2nd to the 4th of next month at the HFC Bank Stadium.
