Fiji a learning experience for Howard

On Monday June 11, Howard took to ANU Oval to play against the international visitors in a one-off exhibition match on the Queen’s Birthday. 

And although the Brumbies couldn’t get the job done, and were eventually sunk 7-33, they gave a good account of themselves and learned a lot from their Fijian opponents. 

“It was an awesome experience, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it,” Howard said. 

“Afterwards, everyone getting around everyone, and they sung us a hymn at the end of the game, then we all took a knee with them and they had a prayer.

“Just the cultural background, what footy means to them, is amazing to see. How it’s not just in Australia we’re trying to grow women in sport, it’s everywhere.”

Following the game, the Fijian women presented the Brumbies with a special honour by performing some of their cultural dances at a function, where they also shared some drinks and were able to socialise. 

The match was the first time a team from Canberra has played a national side since the ACT Women played the USA in 1997. 

The game also marked a significant first for Howard as well, as it was the first time she was asked to play in the backs. 

While she enjoyed the opportunity and said that the position suited her natural playing style, it took some getting used to. 

“It was good that I got to have an experience at that level in the back instead of forward,” Howard said. 

“I think it’s another learning experience, I think I enjoyed playing in the backs a bit more actually. I like a running game, whereas when you’re in the forwards, you don’t get much of a run.”

Having recently made the move from league to union, Howard said that she is now becoming settled with the latter and is generally more comfortable on the field. 

“I think I’ve got a lot more understanding [from] being able to play at a club level now,” she said. 

“There’s not as much pressure and you’re allowed to make a few errors … and I feel like I’ve got a lot more knowledge about the game now.” 

From here, Howard said that there is “talk of potentially playing another team from overseas, but nothing’s confirmed yet.” 

“The whole team splits up and goes back to their clubs, so we’re all playing each other in club now, which is good. 

“It’s just the Sevens now start to open up, the UC Uni Sevens and a lot of the girls are starting to play that.”