FIJI’S national women’s rugby team, the Fiji Bulikula has finalised it’s 18 member squad that will play the Papua New Guinea Orchids in its first international test match later this month.
The national women’s team is named after the golden cowrie because of the shell’s special importance to the iTaukei- signifying status and chiefly rank.
Acting Fiji National Rugby League chief executive officer Don Natabe said the name “Bulikula” was chosen by the late FNRL chairman, Peni Musunamasi to signify the special importance of female rugby players in the FNRL.
“We anticipate Fiji Bulikula’s baptism of fire against the sturdy PNG Orchids at the Leichardt Oval, NSW,”Natabe said.
“We urge the nation to rally behind the Fiji Bulikula.” Forcing their way into the 18-member Fiji Bulikula squad for the test includes 2016 Rio Olympic Games former Fijiana sevens players Timaima Ravisa and Jiowana Sauto.
The Bulikula will play the Orchid this month on June 22.
Fiji Bulikula June test squad: Timaima Ravisa, Asena Rokomarama, Roela Radiniyavuni, Merewairita Nai, Tanika Marshall, Asipau Mafi, Patricia Raikadroka, Losena Qiolevu, Limaina Wai, Vilisi Vakaloloma, Teaghan Hartigan, Jiowana Sauto, Sere Naitokatoka Josephine Maejiirs, Canecia Sims, Eloise Vunakece, Ateca Leiyamo, Aliti Namoce.
Head coach: Adrian Vowles, manager: Jacqulin Shannon, assistant coach: Grant Bignell, assistant coach: Peni Tubakibau
