Sereima Leweniqila, right, is one of the pioneers of the Fijiana 15s side. Photo: Oceania Rugby
Fijian women's rugby captain Sereima Leweniqila has retired from international rugby following her team's 118-0 thrashing of newbies Kazakhstan in Dubai in a World Women's XV3 (WXV3) competition match on Sunday.
Leweniqila, who scored a try in that game, told the media later that she was proud to have been a Fijiana and believes the future looks good for the women's side.
She was named Player of the Match in her final international game.
"This is a great finish and icing on the cake for me. I could not have done it without the girls,"Leweniqila said.
"Am honoured to play with them. Eventhough we didn't meet the goal we wanted am just super proud. Just emotional.
"All those years of playing and just to look back and see where Fijiana is right now. For them to reach this stage so early I think the future is great.
"I thank God and all those who have been supporting me as well."
The 33-year-old was one of the pioneers of the Fijiana 15s side and was part of the first Fijiana Drua team that won the Super W title two years ago.
She first captained the Fijiana side in 2016.
Earlier this year she took on the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and called them out for failing to pay allowances due to the women's rugby players 2022 and this year's commitments.
Her calls caused a major shake-up at FRU when the union's new trustees board and Fiji's coalition government responded by finding the money to pay her and the players all their dues.
Fijiana 15 team at training in Suva. Photo: Fiji Rugby Union