Waratahs lock Atasi Lafai will celebrate her star-making performance in the 2024 Super Rugby W Final as just reward for a wretched run of setbacks and injuries in her career.
Lafai was immense for the Waratahs in the 50-14 victory over Fijian Drua at Ballymore to return the trophy to NSW, named Player of the Final
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She was brutal with her carries, skittling Drua defenders as the Waratahs ran away with the game in the second half.
The second-rower scored the final try of the game to bring up the half-century and secure the title back into the hands of the Waratahs.
“She's absolutely incredible. She’s such a quality athlete and she’s been one of our best players all season," captain Piper Duck said to Rugby.com.au
“To see 'Tas' get that award I think is something truly special.
“It’s a reflection of here and they’re the people you want to make to battle with. She’s an incredibly humble, quiet girl away from the field but get her on the field and she is an absolute weapon," coach Michael Ruthven added.
The 29-year-old's story is extra special once you delve into her injury history, suffering two ACL setbacks on top of a broken collarbone, major ankle surgery and a neck issue last year which had her convinced her career was over.
Any hopes of an injury-free 2024 were quashed when she copped a stud to the eye, lacerating her tear duct in a freak accident.
This forced the Wallaroo to wear goggles for the start of the season but didn't derail her form as she held out the likes of fellow internationals Sera Naiqama and Annabelle Codey out of the starting side.
“They had to put a tube in my eye which is still in there just while the tear duct is healing so we needed the protection so it doesn’t get infected or dislodge," Lafai told Rugby.com.au
“It’s just sitting there now and has healed which means I didn’t have to wear the goggles anymore, which is amazing because they’re pretty annoying to be honest
“I’m really grateful that the coaching staff got around me and even thought to get the goggles so I could see on the pitch.”
Naturally, the lock took a little bit longer to reflect and comprehend what the title meant to herself and the side.
“It definitely makes this moment extra special having to grind the last couple of years due to ACL and collarbone injuries," she explained.
“It’s super special to be able to play in front of a crowd like that and play for my team, they’ve worked really hard and have really got around me over the last few years.
“It means a lot to be able to give that to them and pay them back because they’ve supported me so much so I’m so grateful.”
As a result of her setbacks, the contest at Ballymore was Lafai's first time playing in a title win despite the Waratahs' storied history.
“It’s been a long time coming," she reflects.
"We fell short the last couple of years and just to have the trophy come back home, it’s really special for us girls.
“To be honest, I thought that first 20-30 minutes I didn’t feel like I was having my best game, I needed to get an early touch of the ball but I really caught my second wind in that second half and the girls got around me.”
