But rugby is in the family blood.
And it was not long before the round-ball code just was not physical enough for the Otago Spirit back.
Her father, Erik Va’afusuaga, who is an assistant coach for the Spirit, played in 271 Dunedin premier grade games, which was a record until Zingari-Richmond stalwart Chris Bell eclipsed his tally in 2021.
Charlotte’s older brother, Jesse, plays for the championship-winning Green Island side.
"I grew up watching them and they definitely had a big impact on me," she said.
"But I actually grew up playing soccer. I swapped over to rugby, I think, in year 9, when I went to Taieri [College].
"I think I was a bit too physical for soccer, and my brother was like, ‘oh, you should just try rugby’."
The 17-year-old made her debut for the Spirit last year and the St Hilda’s Collegiate year 13 student has firmly established herself as a starter this season.
She has been playing fullback and has really shone. She hits the line hard, she has the very handy ability to blow through tackles and she is hungry for the ball.
Va’afusuaga played at first five at school but centre is her favoured spot. And she will get the opportunity to play there in the Farah Palmer Cup Championship semifinal against Wellington in Porirua tomorrow.
The Spirit have had to reshuffle their backline. Hard-running second five Keely Hill took a blow to the head late in the round-robin game against Wellington in Dunedin on the weekend and has been ruled out.
Centre Te Atawhai Campbell also picked up an injury.
But Cheyenne Cunningham returns from injury and will slot in at second five, and Va’afusuaga will move from fullback to centre where she will see a lot more of the ball.
The other key change sees the return of experienced loose forward Zoe Frood.
Wellington dispatched Otago 51-13 last weekend and will start as strong favourites.
But the Spirit have been working hard on ways to bridge the gap.
"We're probably a bit smaller than them, so just good low tackles and getting them down to the ground, and then probably finishing our opportunities that we have.
"We had a few on the weekend, but we just didn't finish them off, really."
Va’afusuaga is a talented touch player as well and enjoys the extra space you get in that game. But she also has her sights set on a professional rugby career and a spot in the Matatū.
In the other Championship semifinal, Manawatū will host North Harbour in Palmerston North today. Manawatū have been the form team.
Farah Palmer Cup Championship semifinal
Porirua, tomorrow, 12.05pm
Otago: Lucy Hall, Oceana Campbell, Charlotte Va’afusuaga, Cheyenne Cunningham, Jamie Church, Sheree Hume, Georgia Cormick, Tegan Hollows, Zoe Frood, Bella Rewiri-Wharerau, Julia Gorinski (captain), Sammie Bean, Rebekah Wairau, Hannah Lithgow, Eilis Doyle. Reserves: Leilia Hill, Isla Pringle, Paige Church, Kayley Johnson, Rawinia Ngamoki-Moana, Milahn Ieremia, Naomi Sopoaga, Hannah Norris.
Wellington: (Possible) Keira Su’a-Smith, Drenna Fakaniko, Fa’asua Makisi, Monica Tagoal, Harmony Kautai, Arene Landon-Lane, Milly Mackey, Nina Foaese, Sinead Ryder, Fanua Rimoni, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Tess Woldring, Alica Print, Angelica Schwencke. Reserves: Valini Vaka, Lavinia Lea, Roimata Parata, Eva Maora, Anyis Drossaerts-Lake, Litia Bulicakau, Madison Gold, Ivana Samani.
