When the door of opportunity opened for Jorja Aiono, true to her Samoan heritage, she didn’t just walk through it, she tore it down.
The Swansea teenager was outstanding on debut against Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations, and was rewarded with starts against France and England.
Aiono looked every bit at home against the game’s big hitters and has drawn praise for her power and work rate.
“I play like my dad,” admitted the 19-year-old lock, daughter of former Neath, Ebbw Vale, Glamorgan Wanderers and Llandovery back-row forward Nio.
“My dad’s from Samoa, he was a big carrier as well. He used to play in New Zealand and Australia.
“My uncle [Afa Aiono] captained Samoa Sevens, which is really cool, and my brother played for the under-20s.
“We all back each other up, and with Sisilia [Tuipulotu] also Polynesian, she took me under her wing… we’re kind of a family.”
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