Lynda Rabeni-Vatuloka, daughter of late Flying Fijian and World Sevens player Seru Rabeni, played a crucial role in helping the New Zealand team secure the Global Youth Sevens title, defeating the NZ Cavaliers Under-18 with a score of 27-10. This victory caps off a successful tournament for the New Zealand side and represents yet another significant achievement in Rabeni-Vatuloka’s rugby career, which began at the young age of 10 at the Tawa community club in Wellington.
Lynda not only brings honor to her family’s legacy but also recognizes her roots, carrying the name of her Nau, Timoci Vatuloka from Drekena, Rewa. With her koro ni vasu hailing from Suvavou, she embodies the rich cultural heritage of her Fijian background.
Throughout her journey, Rabeni-Vatuloka faced obstacles, including a serious knee injury that sidelined her for two seasons. Demonstrating resilience, she made a comeback in Year 11 and subsequently received a surprise selection for the New Zealand Under-18 squad, showcasing her determination and passion for the sport.
In her third appearance at the Global Youth Sevens, Rabeni-Vatuloka described the tournament as one of the toughest competitions for youth, featuring elite teams from various countries, including Australia, the United States, South Africa, Fiji, Canada, Japan, and China. Despite limited preparation time, the New Zealand girls exhibited composure and teamwork in the final, illustrating their discipline and connection on a grand stage.
“It’s credit to our management and the group we had. There’s no other team I’d rather win with,” she expressed, emphasizing the importance of unity in their success. She also highlighted a memorable pool match against NZFiji, noting the intensity and shared cultural bond among Fijian players across different teams.
With this international title added to her accomplishments, Rabeni-Vatuloka remains focused on personal growth, playing for her teammates, and contributing to the advancement of women’s rugby. Alongside her, Levonah Motuliki, who has maternal ties to Komo Kabara in Lau, was also part of the winning team. The tournament concluded at Dilworth School in Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand, last Sunday, highlighting a successful chapter for women’s rugby on a global stage.