The island of Lakeba in Lau is the home of rugby stars like Ilisoni Taoba, Simon Raiwalui, Jiko Matawalu, Akapusi Qera and Henry Qiolevu.

Now we’ve seen the arrival of 17-year-old Carletta Yee, who is part of the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua training squad.

The 17-year-old also hails from Lakeba and it has been her dream to be part of the Drua squad.

“It’s a blessing to be part of the Drua’s Super W squad,” she told SUNsports.

Yee made the limelight after she captained the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School Under-18 team to the final and the Suva U20 team to victory in the ANZ Marama Championship competition in 2023.

She started her rugby journey in 2021 playing for Striders and took on the role as co-captain.  Yee is the youngest of five siblings and for this year she has set her goals to excel in academic and sports.

“I’m doing my tertiary education but I have to balance studies with rugby. To achieve my goals I must have good friends.

“I need to prioritise what is important. I also need to stay discipline on and off the field.”

Right now, she said, if I happen to play for the Drua, it’s a dream come true for me.

“Every girl who loves rugby, it will always be their dream to play for the Drua. The learning and the environment we are in is nothing else but a blessing. It is a privilege to be part of the Drua.”

Yee said she is aiming to play for the Drua in one of their Super W home games.

“That will allow me to play in front of my family. It means a lot to me.  If everything goes according to plan this year I would like to represent the Fijiana XV to the World Cup,” she added.

Feedback:  mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj