Clotilde Baron, a 23-year-old French national with a passion for rugby, has made the vibrant island of Fiji her new home to pursue her love for the sport. Arriving in December after graduating with a master’s degree from ESSEC Business School in France, Baron’s decision was inspired by the success of Fijian rugby players she had observed while in France, leading her to delve deeper into the culture of this Pacific paradise.
“I came after graduating from my studies and I wanted to discover Fiji. There are many Fijian players playing in France and I’d always heard about Fiji, so I really wanted to experience the country for myself,” Baron stated, emphasizing her desire to connect with the land and its people.
Currently, she plays for the Sinu Kakala Amazons, competing in the 17th Fiji Bitter Savusavu 7s at Ganilau Park. Baron has taken a year off from her academic pursuits to fully immerse herself in rugby, starting her journey by reaching out to the Nasinu Rugby Club. “I wanted to use this year to improve my rugby, so I contacted the Nasinu Rugby Club manager and he responded. That’s how it all started,” she recounted.
In addition to her dedication to the sport, Baron has committed herself to community service. She volunteers at the Beacon Learning Center in Nasinu, where she teaches French and tennis. One of her most meaningful experiences has been participating in devotion sessions and singing worship songs, which resonate deeply with her Catholic faith. “I’m Catholic, so that really means a lot to me. It makes me realize that what we do is not just for the team, but for God, and that there is something bigger that unites everyone,” Baron reflected.
Baron’s journey in Fiji not only showcases her dedication to rugby but also highlights her strong connection to the local culture and community. Her experiences on the island have made her time in Fiji both enriching and impactful, exemplifying the spirit of adventure and the power of sports to bring people together.