TAILEVU lass Makarita Baleinadogo is the first Fijian woman that will represent France at a Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The 23-year-old is part of the 32-member team that will represent France at the 2025 women’s RWC in England.
Initially, the uncapped Baleinadogo was not in the 38-player squad but was called up following an ankle injury to the experienced loosehead prop, Ambre Mwayembe.
The Fiji-born backrower plays for Stade Bordelais which won the Elite 1 Championship, a women’s equivalent to the men’s French Trop 14 competition.
Baleinadogo is the daughter of former Flying Fijians centre Dan Baleinadogo who also played for Suva rugby in Fiji’s provincial competition before moving to ply his trade in France.
Earlier this year, she was selected for the under-20 French team that competed at the 2025 Summer Series in Wales.
Meanwhile, France is in Pool D with Italy, South Africa and Brazil.
Their first match is on August 24 against Italy at Sandy Park in Exeter.