Tonga flanker Courtney Afeaki made her emotional debut in Fiji at Lawaqa Park on Friday.
Tonga Women’s blindside flanker Courtney Afeaki, 22, ran onto the field at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, Fiji, marking her first match in her father’s homeland as Tonga faced Vodafone Fijiana XV in the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship. Despite a heavy 5–59 defeat, Afeaki said the occasion “means so much”.
Afeaki, who qualifies for Tonga through her mother from Ha’apai Island, began playing rugby in high school. She described the opportunity to represent Tonga as “special” and said the team “will take this experience to improve”. This match marked only her second cap for Tonga.
Her father, Fiji U20 coach Senirusi Seruvakula, watched from the stands alongside her Fijian family. Seruvakula expressed pride in his daughter, stating, “I’m proud to be here to see my father and play in Fiji”.
The game is part of the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship, running at Lawaqa Park from 6 to 14 June. Tonga also competes against Samoa in this tournament.
Afeaki’s objective now is to secure an overseas contract and elevate her rugby career. Off the field, she reflected that the match was a milestone shared with her family—a moment neither will forget.
Tonga face Samoa later this week in the Oceania Championship.
