The last time Dhys Faleafaga played in the Sevens World Series stage was in 2021.
This weekend she makes a return to the annual competition which kicks off in Dubai, only this time with an additional two members in her fan base.
Faleafaga makes her return to the black jersey after being away for a couple years due to the birth of her twins Kamari Inoke Saniva Ng Shiu & Kaziel Arnez Andy Ng Shiu back in 2022.
And although she’s been fulfilling her duties as a mother over the past two years, Faleafaga’s also maintained a routine for herself sharpening up her skills in preparation for rejoining the sevens circuit.
“It’s a crazy journey,” she said.
“Having to put our bodies through training and then coming home to cater to the twins. But it is rewarding because I get to come home after training and just focus on being a mum. It’s pretty special.”
While journeying through motherhood and eyeing her return, Faleafaga admits there are a few areas from being a parent that she hopes to bring on the rugby field.
“One big thing is time management. With the twins you have got to have them on routine just so that I am getting enough time for me and also getting enough time for them.”
“That also follows into rugby just making sure that I am organised with a programme for our training and that any woman that gives birth to kids is a superhero.”
Faleafaga comes back into the mix into a team that is missing a few leaders of the likes of Portia Woodman Wickliffe and Stacey Waaka.
The side will also be debuting three new players including speedster Katelyn Vahaakolo.
Stepping up into the leadership role is Falefaga’s teammate Alena Saili. Now in her eighth season with the side.
Saili will rely on her experience alongside the leader group to help guide her players around the park.
“It’s weird being one of the older girls now. Coming up in the system I was always that younger girl that needed help” Saili said.
“It’s nice being able to be that person that people come to now and teach the new girls a thing or two.”
