For the Fasavalu family, rugby at West Harbour has certainly become a family affair.
Last Saturday, Amanai Fasavalu laced up the boots alongside four of her daughters, Monica, Rysh’e, Tiana and Mariah.
Amanai is the mother of 13 children, aged between 21 and 3. Searching for a sense of community and wanting to support her girls, Amanai registered for West Harbour Womens in 2022 and has been an inspiration ever since.
Charmain Steventon, Board Member at West Harbour, says Amanai is an indication of the diversity and inclusion within the club.
“As a Shute Shield club, we are a proud community who have committed to a focus on increasing the engagement with females in our game,” she said.
“By 2025, women involved in rugby at West Harbour will have equity on and off the field, making highly valued contributions to participation, performance and leadership.
“This begins with players like Amanai and her daughters. This generational love for rugby and a passion to help our female program will help us reach our aspirations.”
Steventon says Amanai’s decision to lace up the boots has already strengthened the female rugby community at West Harbour.
“It’s well documented that many girls drop out of sports as they reach their teens,” she said.
“Part of that is a lack of female role models. We can’t be what we can’t see.
“Amanai shows her daughters and our entire community to embrace life fully without fear of failure, but with purpose, courage and laughter.”
Happy Mother’s Day.
