Story behind Naimasi’s successful rugby career
It is like looking for a needle in a haystack to find a super athlete who has represented Fiji in three different sports.
Fijiana 7s team experienced utility backline Ana Maria Naimasi has donned three national uniform in the past 10 years in cricket, netball and rugby.
The 25-year-old from Galoa Village in Serua was part of the Fiji women’s cricket team that travelled to Vanuatu for the Tri-Series in 2011 and 2012.
In 2013, Naimasi was selected for the Fiji Netball Under-19, which was played in New Zealand in the Trans-Tasman Series and later represented Fiji A in 2014.
In 2017, Naimasi made her debut for Fijiana at the Dubai 7s and has been a consistent player for Fiji Rugby aiming for a spot in the Olympic Games this July.
Her cousin and former Fijian 7s team rover Donasio Ratubuli plus brother and Ratu Filise utility Aborosio Naiqamu has been a role model for her.
“Rugby has always been my favorite sport and it has always been a dream to don the white jumper,” said Naimasi.
“I have always wanted to represent Fiji in rugby and I was fortunate to have represented our country in three different sports.
“Nothing is impossible if the heart is willing and if you ask God to lead your path and work hard to achieve your goal.
Growing up in a village and wanting to play rugby is a challenge but Naimasi is thankful that she has the support she needed from home.
“I want to thank my family for always supporting me and that’s enough for me to break any obstacle standing in my way,” she added.
Naimasi is one of the senior players in the Fijiana 7s team who is currently at camp in Suva.
She is also part of the Mt Masada women 7s team that won the 2nd Leg of the Super Sevens Series in Nadi last weekend.