IN a country where women’s rugby is steadily on the rise, the Fijiana 15s team is headed to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup with the mission of inspiring the younger generation.
Players like Setaita Railumu who plays at scrumhalf were inspired by the 2021 WRWC squad to play rugby and represent the country at the pinnacle event of women’s rugby.
Now, her and the other 16 players that will be making their world cup debut tomorrow, shoulder that responsibility.
It is one that they have fully embraced.
“”Representing my country is in honour beyond words. It’s not about playing rugby, it’s about carrying the hopes for my people, and it’s inspiring the next generation,” Railumu stated.
The Fijian Drua women’s player understands first hand the impact their performance will have on the young women and girls who are following in their footsteps.
“People back at home will be watching and we want to motivate the upcoming generation. This is Fiji’s second World Cup, we are not here to make up numbers, we are here to make a difference, inspire our young generation coming up and show them that nothing is impossible.”
With such a youthful side going up against some of the top teams in women’s rugby, head coach Ioan Cunningham pointed out the importance of exemplary leadership.
“Leadership plays a big role within the team, but our focus and challenge are to
stay in the present moment and win each moment. We want our players to go out,
express themselves and show the world what incredible athletes we have,” he said.
The many weeks of preparation will be put to the test tomorrow when Fiji takes on Canada at 4.30am at York Community Stadium in England.