The Fijiana 15s team has an important task at hand as preparations begin for the upcoming Oceania Women’s Championship in Brisbane.
A 30-member squad marched into camp on Sunday in Nadi where a travelling 28 will be selected for battle against Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea.
This tournament is vital for Fiji as a win will guarantee direct qualification to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England next year.
“Being a world cup qualifier if we win the championship, we go through directly so, its a really important tournament for us,” Fiji Rugby’s high performance manager women, Alana Thomas emphasised.
“We do get a second chance if we don’t win that but, we want to win that so that we can get into our planning. There were some disappointments last year but, the investment this year from Samoa, Tonga and PNG has been increased again. We have seen Penina Pasifika that went over to Australia and played some matches against some Super W teams so, they have been getting some good game time.
“We have also seen some Manusina girls playing in Super W as well so, its an important competition but its also going to be a fantastic time with our Pacific sisters.”
The team will train through to May 22 before a travelling 28 is selected. Selection for this however, does not guarantee a spot in the world cup if Fiji qualifies.
“Majority of the girls are from the Fijian Drua women, and we’ve brought a couple of players from other Super W teams to complement the squad. We will reassess that after the Oceania Championship because we’ve got the finals of Marama and Bosco Challenge so we will be able to see more players and see what we can do in terms of their selection and where they fit within the squad,” Thomas added.
Fijiana faces Tonga in round one on May 24 before meeting PNG in round two, five days later.
The final match on June 2 will be against Samoa.
All games will be held at Sunnybank Rugby club in Brisbane, Australia.
Vodafone Fijiana 15’s Oceania Championship extended squad –
Props: Ana Korovata, Salanieta Nabuli, Bitila Tawake, Iris Verebalavu, Vika Matarugu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Loraini Seniloli; Hookers: Litia Marama, Keleni Marawa, Una Lalabalavu; Locks: Asinate Serevi, Jade Coates, Mereoni Nakesa, Doreen Narokete; Backrow: Nunia Uluikadavu, Sulita Waisega, Adi Fulori Rotagavira, Kara Naisewa; Halfbacks: Setaita Railumu, Evivi Senikarivi; Flyhalf: Jennifer Ravutia, Sala Kinita; Centres: Merewai Cumu, Vani Arei, Merewalesi Rokouno; Wings:, Merewairita Naivoha, Adita Milinia, Repeka Tove; Fullback: Luisa Tisolo, Atelaite Buna