“I am so happy and grateful for the awards received today. I want to thank the sponsors and all the supporters who were there for us throughout the season,” she said.
Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua utility Atelaite Buna dedicated her accolades to supporters and sponsors.
Buna, 23 received the Tonezz Women’s Moment award and was also named the TOTAL Energies Rookie of the Year (women) on Tuesday night.
Buna was selected for her ability to adapt to the demands of Super Rugby through outstanding levels of self-leadership, discipline, and professionalism
She hails from Kese Village in Naviti, Yasawa, and has maternal links to Navatulevu, Nadi. She said the awards were through the support she received from supporters and sponsors.
“I am so happy and grateful for the awards received today. I want to thank the sponsors and all the supporters who were there for us throughout the season,” she said.
“It was not always an easy journey for us and there were lots of challenges along the way. But I think the love and care for each other held the team together.”
“New players were coming in and the support and guidance from the senior players contributed a lot to our performance in the field.
“We acknowledge our coach who believed in us in and out of the rugby field, that kept us strong until the end of this season.
Buna shared her best memories.
“The most memorable experience this season was when we won the semi-final at our home ground in Suva.”
“It boosts us also when our supporters and fans are there to cheer us. At first, we faced challenges that more prefer to watch for Drua men’s games but later on, we appreciate the crowds that support the women’s team.”
“We thank our men’s team for their support for us.”
Her next focus is representing the Fijiana Drua XV against Japan at the HFC Stadium in Suva, 6pm tomorrow.
“My next focus is playing against Japan. We are hoping to beat them, she added.
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