The historic inclusion of the Fijiana Drua in the 2022 Buildcorp Super W (Australia’s Super Women’s competition) is seen as a major step to provide a pathway opportunity for young girls and women in the country into an elite competition.
Rugby Australia (RA) chief executive officer Andy Marinos, in a statement on its website, announced that the Fijiana Drua will be based in Australia and play against Australia’s five women’s Super Rugby franchises as part of Fiji’s preparations for the rescheduled 2021 Rugby World Cup which kicks off in New Zealand in October.
Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) general manager high performance Simon Raiwalui said the Super W was a stepping stone into the next stage of its
evolution.
Raiwalui said it was great to have the Fijiana not only representing women’s rugby in Fiji but women’s rugby in the Pacific when they step out onto the field in round one.
“Fijiana’s inclusion in the Buildcorp Super W has come off the back of a lot of hard work and persistence from all parties involved,” he told the website.
“Our aim is to give as many opportunities to Fijian based talents as we can and this announcement certainly comes as another step in that direction.”
FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said they were humbled and thankful to the board and management of RA for this great opportunity.
“We are excited with this great opportunity since it will continue to enhance the growth of women’s rugby in Fiji and the competitiveness of all our women’s national teams.
“We also sincerely acknowledge and thank the Australian government through the Pacific Aus Sports program for their support in our inclusion into the Super W competition.”
Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific Senator Zed Seselja, who visited the country in November, praised the decision saying more than ever they needed to stand shoulder to shoulder with their Pacific family.
