THE McDonald’s Fiji Fijian Drua Women capped off another memorable campaign by celebrating their achievements honouring the players and staff who helped shape one of the most successful seasons in the team’s history during the Annual Awards Night at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa.
The awards night brought together players, coaches, sponsors, partners and supporters to reflect on an outstanding 2026 Super Rugby Women’s campaign and celebrate the growth of the club over its first five seasons in the competition.
The Drua women have now reached four Super Rugby Women’s grand finals in five years, and this season added another milestone by claiming the minor premiership for only the second time.
Their top-of-the-table finish also earned Fiji the right to host its first-ever Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final against the NSW Waratahs at the Four R Stadium in Ba, marking another historic moment for women’s rugby in the country.
Six major awards were presented during the evening, recognising excellence both on and off the field.
Utility back Josivini Naihamu emerged as the biggest winner of the night, claiming both the Encore Players’ Player of the Year and the prestigious McDonald’s Fiji Player of the Year awards.
Voted by her teammates for the Players’ Player accolade, Naihamu was also selected by head coach Mike Legge as the club’s outstanding performer of the season.
She enjoyed a superb campaign, scoring five tries in six appearances while consistently leading by example through her work ethic, commitment and influence within the squad.Loose forward Ruth Raketekete received the Punjas Community Champion Award after unanimously being recognised by the club staff for her outstanding service away from the rugby field.
Throughout the season, Raketekete played a leading role in community programmes, visiting remote villages, schools and sponsor events across the country while proudly representing the Drua jersey beyond match day.
Promising forward Carletta Yeewas named the Mogul Fan Player of the Year after becoming one of the competition’s most popular players through her impressive performances and strong connection with supporters.
The Rooster Chicken Women’s Rookie of the Year Award went to Varanisese Qoro, whose outstanding debut Super Rugby Women’s season earned widespread praise for her professionalism, discipline and rapid development.
The Fiji Airways Try of the Year was decided by live voting during the presentation night from a shortlist featuring tries by Aqela Raitubu, Naihamu and Kolora Lomani, providing a fitting finale to a night celebrating another landmark chapter in the Drua Women’s remarkable journey.
