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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand /Sports

Fijian Drua Women's Team Named for 2026 Super Rugby W

From RNZ Pacific · (15m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Fijian Drua women's team has been named for the 2026 Super Rugby W season.
  • Hooker Bitila Tawake will captain the side, with lock Alfreda Fisher and halfback Kolora Lomani as vice-captains.
  • The team begins its season on June 6 against the Waratahs in Sydney and aims to defend its home turf in Nadi.

The Fijian Drua women's team is gearing up for the 2026 Super Rugby W season with the announcement of its squad, led by captain Bitila Tawake. As reported by RNZ Pacific, the team is set to kick off its campaign on June 6 against the Waratahs in Sydney, signaling the start of another exciting chapter for Fijian women's rugby.

The squad features experienced players, including prop Karalaini Naisewa, the team's most-capped player, and rising talents like Fijiana Sevens skipper Verenaisi Ditavutu and 2025 Rookie of the Year Josivini Naihamu. The leadership core is further strengthened by vice-captains Alfreda Fisher and Kolora Lomani, indicating a blend of experience and emerging talent ready to compete.

Fijian Drua CEO Jeff Miller emphasized the team's ambition beyond just hosting matches. "We aren't just looking to host matches; we are looking to defend our turf and inspire the next generation of young women in the process," Miller stated. This sentiment highlights the club's commitment to not only succeeding on the field but also to serving as role models and fostering the growth of women's rugby within Fiji.

The Drua women have a strong history in the competition, having won Super Rugby W twice. Last year's semifinal exit serves as motivation for the 2026 season. The club's continued investment in the women's program underscores its dedication to building a sustainable and successful team. For Fiji, this team represents more than just a sports franchise; it embodies national pride and the growing potential of Fijian women in international sport, a narrative that resonates deeply within the islands.

We aren't just looking to host matches; we are looking to defend our turf and inspire the next generation of young women in the process.

โ€” Jeff MillerFijian Drua chief executive, expressing the team's goals beyond competition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.