Naomi Sopoaga makes history with mother for Otago Women's rugby

Naomi Sopoaga never expected rugby to connect her to a piece of family history. But this year, the 20-year-old discovered that her mother helped form the first Otago women’s rugby team in 1991.

Now, Naomi has followed in her footsteps. “My mum and my aunties were part of the first ever Otago women’s Rugby team in 1991, and my mum and I are the first ever daughter and mother duo to play for Otago,” she tells Pacific Huddle.

Her sporting journey did not start on the rugby field. She spent most of her early years playing basketball, even living in France for two years with her older brother, Lima Sopoaga, and his family.

There she played at a high level, gaining experience against players who now compete in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Lima, who has an extensive rugby background and has represented the All Blacks and Manu Sāmoa, welcomed his youngest sister, alongside his wife Miriam and their children.

Unable to return to New Zealand due to Covid-19 restrictions, Naomi played basketball for a team in Lyon.

“The French and European Basketball in general is just second to none, honestly it’s something that I could have never gotten in New Zealand… You’re playing with and playing against players who are now in the WNBA,” she says.

“They’re not only people that you train with, but they’re people that you become friends with. There are a lot of things I accumulated from that experience, just the pace and everything. It’s honestly such a great experience.”

In addition to her sporting endeavours, Naomi, the youngest of six siblings, is in her second year of studying a double degree in law and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Pacific Studies. She recognises the significance of her academic pursuits.

Naomi Sopoaga for Otago playing in the Farah Palmer Cup. Photo/Instagram

“None of my parents went to uni, nor did my grandparents, and I think it’s just like a way to give back.

“We all know that it’s a massive sacrifice and it’s just the bigger picture, knowing that my nieces and nephews can look and know that you can be more than one thing and can be an athlete and a student.”

Naomi recently returned home to Wellington after successfully completing her second year of studies. She plans to travel to recharge before the new year.

“I suppose that I’ve had the taste of overseas sport, it’s something that I’d love to do. I’m pretty open to it and open to see what other opportunities come about.”

Listen to Naomi Sopoaga's full interview below