THREE debutants have taken the call to represent the nation at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England later this month.
Carletta Yee, Selai Grace Naliva and Michella’e Brigid Stolz have been named in the Vodafone Fijiana XV’s 32-member squad for the World Cup in what will be the chance to the team to have an infusion of fresh energy and determination.
Yee, at just 18 years old, is the youngest player on the team and ascends to national representation after an appearance with the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women in the Super Rugby W competition this year.
Naliva and Stolz, while debuting for Fiji this year, had represented the nation in a different capacity at the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
They were part of the World Rugby Under-18 Legacy Program and were in the team under the guidance of Tavaita Rowati. The legacy program was made to provide opportunities for young rugby players to prepare them for higher levels of competition.
Meanwhile, head coach Ioan Cunningham said the team to England was formed out of the necessity of balancing readiness for opposition with the team’s culture and discipline.
“We have a good blend of experienced players and exciting young talent. I am really looking forward to seeing how the younger players perform on the world stage,” Cunningham told FRU Media.
“We will be playing teams ranked in the top 10 in the world, so we will be challenged by the speed, physicality, and intensity they bring. The younger players give us the energy we need for that battle.”
Meanwhile, the Fijiana XV depart for England on Wednesday.