Veteran Laite aims for more glory after helping Japan qualify for women’s world series
Fiji-born 32-year-old plays key role as her team rally to beat South Africa in qualifier final at Hong Kong Stadium
Mateitoga Bogidraumainadave is Japan’s go-to woman when they need something special, and the Fiji-born bonecrusher duly delivered as her team beat South Africa 22-10 in the final of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series qualifier on Friday.
The 32-year-old, known by her nickname Laite, played a key role in Japan’s 31-0 semi-final victory over Italy and then in the final against the South Africans at the Hong Kong Stadium – with the victory enabling Japan to return to the World Series after a one-year absence.
It was Laite’s bustling run that helped Japan score there first try after South Africa had taken a 10-0 lead, after which her team took control of the match.
“I’m just so happy. It just shows that all the hard work we put in has paid off,” said Laite, who has been playing professional rugby in Japan for the past six years.
“To be able to return to the world series is just amazing.”