THE McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women will begin their 2026 Super Rugby Women’s campaign this Saturday in Sydney, with head coach Mike Legge naming an exciting side to face defending champions the NSW Waratahs.
Making their official Drua debuts at Leichhardt Oval are Vodafone Fijiana 15s representatives Varanisese Qoro and Ivamere Rokowati, along with Nadroga lock Karavaki Lutumaibau and Nasinu standout Aqela Raitubu. The quartet joins a starting lineup packed with international experience.
Several standout performers from the club’s pre-season campaign have also earned selection. Props Zipporah Sorokacika and Keri Lawavou, Nadroga’s Vilisi Tivalele, former Kadavu captain Vatiseva Cavuru, Ruth Raketekete and Michella’e Stolz have all been rewarded for their impressive trial performances with places in the match-day squad.
The starting 15 sees the most capped Drua player of all-time (25 appearances) Karalaini Naisewa (1) at loosehead prop, with Tiana Robanakadavu (3) at tighthead. Captain Bitila Tawake (2) will start at hooker.
In the middle row, Vunamoli, Nadi native Mereoni Nakesa (4) partners the debuting Karavaki Lutumaibau (5). The squad’s youngest member, 18-year-old Carletta Yee (6) lines up at blindside flanker with Nunia Daunimoala (7) at openside. Vice-captain Alfreda Fisher (8) starts the match at number 8. In the backline, the experienced Evivi Senikarivi (9) gets the nod to start at halfback, partnering Varanisese Qoro (10) who is at flyhalf. Flyer Aqela Raitubu (11) starts on the left wing with vice-captain Kolora Lomani (14) on the right wing. Josivini Naihamu (12) starts the match at inside centre with Ivamere Rokowati (13) at outside centre. Litiana Vueti (15) has been handed the fullback duties for the match.
For impact this week, Keleni Marawa (16) is backup hooker, Zipporah Sorokacika (17) is loosehead, with Keri Lawavou (18) covering the tighthead prop position. Lanky second rower Vilisi Tivalele (19) will cover for the locks and Salaseini Railumu (20) backs up the loose forward trio. Vatiseva Cavuru (21) will cover the halves with Ruth Raketekete (22) covering the centres. Michella’e Stolz (23) completes matchday squad covering the back three.
