Women of the Islands - Rebecca Tavo
Rebecca Tavo
Fiji International Sevens Rugby Player
Fiji/Rotuma/Australia
Rebecca Tavo is a dual international also representing Australia in touch-rugby. Hailing from Western Australia, Tavo is a strong and competent ball carrier and has also scored off the field becoming BHP Billiton's first female trainer driver in 2006. In 2015 she changed alliegiance and decided to represent her home country of Fiji.
How did your passion for sports particulary rugby/touch begin?
I started playing these sports from a young age. It was only a natural progression that I went on to play these sports as a young adult and then onto adulthood. My Dad played and it took my interest also.
Touch Rugby was first. I played for Western Australia at 15yrs and then for Australia during competition in New Zealand. Between then and now, I played for the Mixed and Women's Open Touch team for Australia where we won the Women's World Cup in Scotland in 2011.
Because I had a bit of size about me (Islander), League was the next progression. I played for the Australian team a few times. The World Cup in NZ was one of them in 2002. I made the World 13s and was the only one from outside of NZ at that time.
Looking for the next challenge I found myself at 7s. They were just starting the first 7s team in Australia to try and qualify for the first World Cup for Women and Men together.
Having a touch background and league, I was approached to trial for the qualifiers in Samoa. We qualified and won the World Cup in Dubai in 2009. It was a great sporting achievement and the icing on the cake was I played as captain for our team.
I didn't realise that's how sports came into my life growing up.
But clearly having a Fijian/Rotuman father, who is a strong-figure in my life, has influenced my love for rugby.
How has your culture influenced your playing career?
Having the Fijian flare, mixed with the hard work and don't give up Aussie attitude has served me well. Thanks Mum!
What were some challenges you faced while in camp for the Rio Olympics?
It was hard because that was the first time we had done the no carbs eating. And we were doing so much running. So that took me to places I had never been before, but in saying that I got to the fittest I had ever been. I couldn't believe how much of a difference not eating carbs made.
Otherwise the 6-week camp for the final selection was a dream. Uprising resort (a 5-star Bure providing the best recovery food/fruit (coconut), the service and beach training everyday with the men's team.
The final team that was selected had 2 weeks in Chile before we left to Rio. So that was cool as. Another country that I never thought I would go to, another 5 star hotel - the best Buffet ever.
At the Olympic village, it could have been very easy to be distracted with all the athletes, tennis players, basketball, weight lifters etc… so it was important to stay focused until you competed and then respect that there were other people competing up until the closing ceremony.
The hardest thing for me was being away from my close support of family and friends. It tested me to the limit. But at the end of the day it was the best experience doing it with Fiji in Fiji.
Tell us about representing Fiji at the Rio Olympics?
Being part of the Fiji rugby family is a statement not many people can say, but I was thankful for the opportunity.
It was a dream to train alongside Ben Ryan and the Fiji 7’s boys. Training was hardcore; nothing like I’ve ever done through all my years of sport but it was worth it. Those Sigatoka sand dunes were a killer – good for the quads but hella hard work.
My year of playing 7’s in Fiji for Fiji has opened my eyes even more to how rugby plays a big part of every Fijians life. It’s a way of life, a chance to travel the world through competitions and a way to provide for their families. It certainly is a proud moment for each player to done that black and white jersey. Sometimes I think it’s even above God.
The relaxed Fiji lifestyle suited me in a way that gave me the space and unconditional love from the people to develop further than I had in my sporting career and to be the fittest I had ever been.
There's a lot of talent in the Fiji women's side. Although we are a few years behind the men with a bit of guidance, one day I believe we will get there.
It was an honour to play in the Fijian jersey and it was more than I could of ever dreamed of.
How has sport shaped your character?
Sport has allowed me to find myself. A lot of the problems I encountered were all from with in me, rather than saying it was the coach, or this player or the Physio, or anything else on the outside; and realising that, has helped in all aspects of my life. I went through a lot of challenges, from clashing with a coach, being dropped for fitness, or not following a game plan. These issues were my own doing and once I acknowledged and dealt with it, I became a better person.
I’m not saying that I wont have another dark day, but everyday I work hard at being a better person and continuing to grow. I set a goal and work to achieve it – if I fall off the bandwagon; I dust myself off and get up again. This attitude seems to make me an even better person.
During competition, the results did not make a huge difference, whether we won or lost. What mattered was the journey and if I was being true to myself or not.
Do you visit Rotuma often?
I have been to Rotuma a few times. The last time I went was when I was searching for answers about myself/heritage and people. I found out that both my nanna and grand-dads side are chiefly. An interesting fact - Albert and Tavo both signed the Deed of Cession to Great Britain.
What do you love about Fiji?
Besides the friendly people and white sandy beaches, I’d say mainly the relaxed and simple lifestyle.
Why did you make the switch from playing for Australia to playing for Fiji?
It didn't feel right to play for Australia any more. I was still dealing with my personal issues and I wasn't getting better when I was there. I just knew I didn't want to be in that environment.
So after two years off and a family trip to Fiji, I made the decision to trial and play for Fiji. In 2015 I played at the Oceania 7’s where Fiji won the tournament that allowed us to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic games.
Fiji bought out the best in me.
And you are the first rotuman female to play rugby internationally?
It just so happens that I am the first Rotuman to play international rugby for Fiji just by doing what I love and following my heart. This is one of those things that come of it.
What do you do when you are not playing rugby?
Well that was it for 20 or so years. So I am now learning how to be normal and have a life without big sporting dreams. I’m hanging out more with family these days.
Through the sporting times I have done a bit of everything: Motorbikes, Coffees restaurants, Boxing, travelling overseas, Camping, Surfing, Skating, Crabbing, Buying houses, spear fishing, gold prospecting, and more…
And a lot of sleeping!
Are you thinking of playing for Fiji again in the near future of have you hung up your international boots?
At this stage, I am just tired and gathering strength again. This is what I’ve noticed happens with me after long periods of training/playing. When I am rested I have a feeling I will play or box again.
Tell us something quirky about yourself?
I naturally took to learning languages so that I could talk to people wherever I went (Russian, Spanish, and Italian) but communication has been one of my biggest challenges in my own life and relationships. And it's funny how I learnt these languages but I am the biggest home body/INTROVERT you will ever meet. I love being at home, away from people. That was a tough question.
What advice would you give to upcoming younger pacific island boys and girls?
If there is something that you really want. Follow your heart. Listen to what's inside and you stay true to yourself and will never go wrong. Even if it doesn't happen, you have tried and you will have no regrets.
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