Swire Shipping Fijian Drua forward Leone Rotuisolia and Papua New Guinea swimmer and Olympian Georgia- Leigh Vele exchanged vows at the Pearl Resort, Pacific Harbour. 

The ceremony held two weeks ago, was witnessed by 200 guests. Drua players and swimmers from Fiji and abroad were present. 

Rotuisolia had popped the question last year during their family visit to Papua New Guinea. 

“I popped the question there, but I asked her father first, as it was a blessing, and her father agreed,” Rotuisolia said. 

The couple has been courting for three years. 

“I saw her pop up one day on my socials as she’s also a swimmer,” he said. 

“It was nice to get one athletic girlfriend. Sports connected us. 

“First, I wanted to make sure that she is the one. I am now willing to spend my life with her. I had to make sure that mom likes her first,” he chuckled. 

Honeymoon was put on hold as Rotuisolia had to travel with the team for a one-week training camp in Kadavu last week. 

The couple flew out on Monday for their honeymoon. 

“The visit to Kadavu was beautiful for most of us. That was my first time in Kadavu. The taste of fish there was amazing. 

About Vele-Tuisolia 

Her dad is from PNG while her mum is Australian. She was born on the Gold Coast, but grew up in PNG. 

She started representing PNG when she was 14 and has been an international swimmer for 12 years. 

“Yeah, it was perfect. It was everything I wanted. It was just us two, no one else,” Vele-Rotuisolia said. 

“He is a rugby player and he would be busy with moving,” she said. 

“It was long distance up until I moved here. 

“As a swimmer I’ve always been traveling. It sort of worked out for both of us, I understand his commitment and he understands mine.” 

She will be based in Nadi for the next season. 

“It’ll just be nice for him to come home to someone rather than always going home to the empty house.” 

She was a bit upset about their honeymoon being moved due to the Kadavu tour. 

“When he first told me I was a little bit upset. I understand his commitments and the sacrifices he must make and I’m happy to make them with him. The biggest thing was we got married and that was that was what was important and then we’ve got the rest of our lives to celebrate our union.” 

2025 the year 

Rotuisolia said 2025 would be a good year. 

“The focus now will be rugby, what’s happening next year. 

“This year has been a good year for me as well, good year for both of us but with her here next year permanently as well, helps me with my diet, my training and all stuff like that,” he said. 

“Really just excited for next year and what the journey next year brings for both of us. 

“Like next year we both plan to aim for something big. 

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