FIJI Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor says the future for aspiring women rugby players in Fiji looks bright now with the inclusion of the Fijiana Drua in this year’s Buildcorp Super W Championship.
“This is a great opportunity and we are really excited since this will provide a pathway and set the platform for the young girls and women in Fiji,” O’Connor said on the historic milestone achievement.
Riding on the recent success of the Fijiana 7s team at the Olympic Games, O’Connor said this would only continue to further the women’s sport in the country.
“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.”
Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula, who is grooming his side to this year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, will take top spot with the first Fijiana Drua outfit in the Super W format.
“We have been preparing for the Super W competition and Rugby World Cup since 2019 and are very fortunate to have been given such a great opportunity ahead of the 2021 RWC in New Zealand,” Seruvakula said.
“We have been in our own bubble for the past three weeks and we have also been training after being tested negative. We are looking forward to flying over to Brisbane next week where we will also play our first trial match against the Queensland Reds next Saturday, the 19th of February.”
Seruvakula has selected a 30-member extended squad including eight overseas-based players.
New Zealand-based Jade Tayla Coates, Ro Silo Togotorua, Kolora Lomani, England’s Raijieli Laqeretabua, Australia’s Leonie Burnes, Vani Arei and Japan-based former Fijiana 7s reps Jiowana Sauto and Timaima Ravisa add depth to the Fijiana Drua side.
“It’s a mixture of experienced and young players and we as a team have been looking forward to the historic moment where we will be rubbing shoulders with some of the great Australian players.”
Fijiana Drua 30-member extended squad: Bitila Tawake, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Teresia Tinanivalu, Livia Naidei, Rusila Tamoi, Joma Bulou, Reijieli Uluinayau, Sereima Leweniqila, Roela Radiniyavuni, Merewalesi Rokouono, Temalesi Sigarara, Litiana Lawedrau, Melaia Matanatabu, Vitalina Naikore, Vika Matarugu, Mereoni Namositava, Karalaini Naisewa, Keleni Marawa, Doreen Narokete, Ema Adivitaloga, Akosita Ravato, Torika Vakalala, Jade Tayla Coates, Vani Va’aga Arei, Raijieli Laqeretabua, Jiowana Sauto, Timaima Ravisa, Silo Togotogorua, Kolora Lomani
