Leweniqila Retires, Paving the way for New Generation

Vodafone Fijiana 15’s captain Sereima Leweniqila has decided to retire from international rugby, bringing an end to 11 years of her time in the white jersey.

After Fiji’s resounding 118-0 victory against Kazakhstan, Leweniqila expressed her gratitude to Head Coach, Inoke Male, for trusting her with the captaincy role.

Leweniqila first represented Fiji in 2012 when she faced New Zealand Samoa, and she has since encountered numerous milestones and challenges while representing Fiji in both rugby codes.

Hailing from Nabuono in Udu, Macuata, she is considered one of the trailblazers of womens rugby and has achieved widespread recognition over the years.

Now, she has confidence in her young and up-and-coming teammates to carry on the legacy.

“I have so much peace being able to handover the task to my sisters, they are stars in the making and I know it’s in better hands,” she said.

“We are still developing and we will get there some day, all I ask is for patience and a lot of support from our supporters,” Leweniqila adds.

Head Coach Inoke Male acknowledged Leweniqila’s significant contribution to women’s rugby and praised her as a role model for young girls.

“Ima has been a role model for young girls and I thank her for all she has done for women in rugby. I would like to wish her all the best in the future,” Male adds.

Fiji Rugby Interim Administrator Simione Valenitabua thanked Leweniqila for her service to the country.

“Sereima has been a very influential figure in Fiji Rugby and we want to thank her for her contributions and helping women in rugby grow,” he said.