The Vodafone Fijiana and the Fiji Defence Women’s serving in the Republic of Fiji Navy were celebrated at the headquarters in Walu Bay following their rugby engagements in the United Kingdom.
Representatives including captain Alfreda Fisher, sisters Keleni and Karalaini Naisewa as well as Adi Salaseini Railumu were engaged with the Fijiana 15s team at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
The other group of players including Fijiana 7s rep Lavena Cavuru and former national sevens rep Ivamere Nabura were part of the team that represented the country at the 2025 International Defence Rugby competition.
Fiji Navy commander, Timoci Natuva acknowledged the busy year they’ve had in all aspects of their work including sports, adding that their achievements so far should be the stepping stone for a better tomorrow.
“Today (yesterday)is the day of thanksgiving where we acknowledge all the tasks that we have completed and what we have achieved. We had numerous events and key priorities that we had to fulfil so today (yesterday) we acknowledge the members of the Navy who represented Fiji and Fijiana who played well.
“I spoke to them (Fijiana) yesterday (Thursday) about the criticism they copped after their first game but, we saw how they jumped back, how they fought back in the second game and especially in the third game and for that I thank them to fulfilling their responsibilities at the world stage,” he said.
“We have now reached our ninth month of service this year, we have fulfilled several tasks. We are sitting here to celebrate their return but there are no trophies here, so its not about trophies, it’s not about winning, it’s the journey and process that you undertook.
“Some of you rediscovered yourselves whether you were playing for Fijiana for the RFMF, Escott, many of us have rediscovered themselves during this hectic period. It’s been a hectic a few months but that’s the process, winning is always a bonus. What’s more important is how you were learn from your losses,” he said.
Natuva also acknowledged their rugby team which competed in the final of the Escott Shield but eventually went down to Police.
