At the age of 17, Tiana Penitani became the youngest player to represent Australia at a rugby World Cup. 

In the years following, she went through an intense rehabilitation process following two separate ACL ruptures while playing rugby sevens. Her second rupture was just 10 months out from the Rio Olympics. A week before the plane departed to Brazil, Tiana had to sit down with the team doctor to hear the news that she hadn’t make it back in time. 

Tiana now plays for the Parramatta Eels in the NRLW competition, represents the NSW Blues in the State of Origin, and has also represented the Australian rugby league team, the Jillaroos. 

Tiana has overcome huge trauma in her life, after losing her father at the age of 12. As you’ll hear, she has a beautiful relationship with her family, and a wisdom beyond her years. 

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Find Tiana on instagram @tianapenitani

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