Koto Qio plans debuts for Nadroga in the ANZ Marama Championship

It was a dream come true for the 14-year-old Koto Qio who made her debut for the Nadroga women’s Under-19 side against Namosi at Thompson Park in Navua last weekend.

Qio is one of the many players who have been inspired by our Fijiana 7s and the Fijiana Drua team playing at the top level on the international stage.

 As a product of Tag Rugby with the Fiji Rugby Development and Quick Rip, the Naidovi Primary School student from Cuvu in Nadroga has always admired how women’s rugby was played at the elite level.

Her mother and school teacher Kalesi Qio was unsure of the idea of letting her daughter play rugby in the provincial competitions but she saw something else in her daughter that made her change her mind.

“She is the youngest of seven siblings and she’s in love with rugby,” said Mrs Qio.

“As a mother, we prioritize the safety of our children and for Koto wanting to play rugby was a challenge I faced but her response to me changed my decision.

“She told me, ‘Lewa aqi Mata waqe na Fijiana’ meaning ‘ Mum I want to play for Fijiana.

“At that moment I knew at a young age, she had already made up her mind and I knew she really wanted this and I just had to support her.

The young Nadroga scrumhalf, was over the moon when her mom gave her the green light as she has now set her short and long term goal.

“I’m happy for my mom and I want to thank her for giving me consent to play,” said Koto.

“I told my mom that academically I’m an average student and I know I can be better at rugby and I wanted to play for Fijiana and I’m glad I’ve been given the approval to play.

“This is my first official rugby match, playing in the ANZ Marama Championship for the Under 19 team. I will focus on two things and that is to prosper academically and improve my rugby journey.

The Nahovotava lass from Nadroga helped her team in their 5-all draw against Namosi last Saturday.