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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. <\/b><\/p>\n
The Swansea teenager was outstanding on debut against Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations, and was rewarded with starts against France and England.<\/p>\n
Aiono looked every bit at home against the game’s big hitters and has drawn praise for her power and work rate.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“My dad’s from Samoa, he was a big carrier as well. He used to play in New Zealand and Australia. <\/p>\n
“My uncle [Afa Aiono] captained Samoa Sevens, which is really cool, and my brother played for the under-20s.<\/p>\n
“We all back each other up, and with Sisilia [Tuipulotu] also Polynesian, she took me under her wing… we’re kind of a family.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n