When Australian soldier Private Jess Sami contacted the Solomon Islands Institute of Sport to explore opportunities to play rugby, she never thought she would be leading the nation’s team at the Pacific Games.
In front of a stadium packed with more than 10,000 people, she captained the women’s Rugby Sevens team.
“The journey to the Pacific Games has been incredible,” Private Sami said.
“I was very fortunate to be selected as captain before the Oceania series last year, which enabled me to work closely with coaching staff and support the team’s development.
“I was empowered to lead and I felt like it was my responsibility to motivate the team.”
Private Sami got her start in rugby through the Army after spending most of her sporting career playing netball.
“I have the Army to thank for getting me interested in rugby,” Private Sami said.
“I was playing ADF netball and one of the rugby coaches asked if I wanted to travel to Darwin for the tryouts.
“I played league when I was younger, so I said yes, and four years later the rest is history.”
Private Sami’s family hails from Malaita province, Solomon Islands, where her mother was born and raised.
“The Pacific Games have been super exciting for my family and me. My parents are staying with family and friends in Honiara. It’s amazing to see how the games have brought so many people together.”
Private Sami first went to Solomon Islands in 2019 when she deployed with the Army to assist the government during elections.
“I was fortunate to deploy here with the Army and I have been able to continue working through the Australian High Commission while training for the national squad,” she said.
Private Sami hopes to work within Solomon Island communities after finishing a nursing degree in Australia.
“I’ve still got goals I want to achieve on the sports field, but what my experience has shown me is that we all need support from time to time,” she said.
“I’ve had many opportunities through Army and sport and I’d like to give back to the community, who have supported me, which is what nursing will enable me to do.”
