After eight years with the Women’s National Team in 7s and XVs, Akalaini “Bui” Baravilala has announced her retirement from international rugby.
Baravilala debuted in 2012 at the Dubai stop of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. In eight years, she won 10 tournaments on the sevens circuit, 11 caps in XVs and scored 168 points. She played in all four matches of Rugby World Cup 2014, as well as the Olympic Games Rio 2016, where the USA finished fifth.
Native of Honolulu, HI, Baravilala was familiar with rugby from a young age as her father — a former player — started a high school team during her sophomore year at Radford High. There, Baravilala played rugby, soccer and basketball before she was discovered at an amateur sevens tournament in 2010 by the late Ric Suggitt, former USA Women’s Sevens Head Coach.
Baravilala made appearances with the USA Under-20s (XVs) in 2010 and 2011 before making her senior national team debut and becoming one of the first players to have a full-time contract at the U.S. Olympic Training Site in Chula Vista.
“Wearing the jersey has been one of the most impactful chapters in my life,” said Baravilala. “I am so grateful for the teachings and challenging breakthroughs I learned through what it takes to wear it. From my first u20s camp to playing in the Olympics and Rugby World Cup, I’ve made memories that will always remind me of the reason why I play – unity. I send love, strength and courage to my coaches and teammates, as they continue to carve a path for the next generations to come. Forever standing with you in spirit and cheering loud and proud for you in the stands!”
“Bui has been instrumental in both supporting and helping lay the foundations for our young and exciting backline over the past 19 months,” said Rob Cain, Head Coach of the Women’s National Team XVs. We will miss her incredible talent in both her ability to beat defenders or stop ball carriers in their tracks, as well as her infectious laughter and personality. Bui leaves some big shoes to fill and has always left the jersey in a better place each time she wore it. We wish her the best in her next chapter outside of rugby.”