THERE are no words to describe what it means for the McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women captain Kolora Lomani to lead her side into the first-ever home Super Rugby Women’s grand final as they prepare to face the New South Wales Waratahs Women at Four R Stadium in Ba on Saturday.
As she will captain the Drua Women in her third grand final, the occasion carries extra significance after playing the previous two title deciders away from home.
“It’ll be very special. We played the last two finals away from home, and to be able to secure a home final is something no words can explain. Especially for us pioneer girls who have been here since 2022, to make history by playing a grand final here in Fiji is something we’ll never forget in our rugby career,” Lomani said.
The Drua enter the title decider seeking revenge after opening their 2026 campaign with a defeat 29-42 to the Waratahs.
However, Lomani believes Saturday’s contest will bear little resemblance to that Round One loss.
“We obviously lost our first game against the Waratahs, but this week will be a whole different level of rugby because it’s a grand final,” she said.
“We’ve prepared well for it, and we’re looking forward to it. We know it won’t be an easy game, but the girls have put in the hard work.”
“The coaches and management have reminded us how important and how tough this game will be.”
Lomani said the squad had enjoyed a productive build-up, completing two strong training sessions at the start of the week as they fine-tuned preparations for the biggest match in the club’s history.
“We’ve had two good sessions on Monday and Tuesday, and we’re really looking forward to the game on Saturday,” she said.
The captain is expecting a fierce contest but is confident the Drua have earned their place in the final after weeks of hard work.
“We’ve worked hard to be where we are and to earn this opportunity. It’s going to be a good game, and I think the crowd will really enjoy what the girls put out on Saturday.”
The occasion will also be an emotional one for Lomani personally, with her parents travelling to Fiji from Australia to watch her play for the first time in a home final.
After missing last week’s semi-final victory, her mother and father surprised her with the news they would be making the trip.
“I received a surprise call from Mum and Dad on Monday, and they told me they’ll be here for the final,” she said.
Lomani also issued a heartfelt call to supporters, urging fans to pack Four R Stadium and create an atmosphere worthy of the historic occasion.
“To all our friends, family and supporters, we hope you come out in numbers on Saturday,” she said.
Drua Women will take on Waratahs Women at 1.05pm.
