Vodafone Fijiana XV senior player Manuqalo Komaitai will be a key figure in the team’s campaign at the upcoming Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship.
Recently honoured as the Best Female Rugby Player in the British Army Rugby Union, Komaitai brings valuable international experience and professionalism, which will be vital as Fiji aims to maintain its dominance in this important regional tournament.
Komaitai’s time with the British Army Rugby Union in the UK has significantly shaped her game.
She shared how the skills and discipline gained overseas are now being transferred to the Fijiana squad:
“Back in the UK, I’ve learned so much with the Army Rugby Union and being able to bring that over to here with the squad, that’s really a big thing for me, being able to be recognised as a British Army Sportswoman of the Year,” she said.
Although nominated for the prestigious United Kingdom Armed Forces Sportswoman of the Year award, Komaitai chose to remain with the Fijiana team for the Oceania Championship, underlining her commitment to the squad’s success.
The Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship serves as a critical platform for Fiji and other Pacific nations, offering competitive matches that sharpen skills and prepare teams for global competitions.
Komaitai highlighted the strength of the team’s blend of experienced players and new talent:
“Honestly, the girls are very talented.
“It’s really good to see new faces and old faces as well, the experienced senior players, the girls from the World Cup and blending in with the new girls.
“The new girls are really fit, physically and mentally as well,” Komaitai explained.
