Fiji bring in seven stars for World Cup
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji head coach Ioan Cunningham unveiled the 32-player squad at the team’s farewell dinner in Nadi, describing it as a group ‘built for both performance and inspiration’.
Fiji qualified for the global showpiece by winning the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship 2024 and face pool matches against Canada, Scotland and Wales.
Captain Alfreda Fisher Maria will lead the side, supported by a core group of senior players who featured in the last Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. They include Karalaini Naisewa, Vika Matarugu, Bulou Vasuturaga, Keleni Marawa, Asinate Serevi, Rusila Nagasau, Sulita Waisega, Kolora Rosi Lomani, Ema Adivitaloga, and Alowesi Nakoci.
Alongside these stalwarts, Cunningham has called up several promising debutants – Carletta Yee, Selai Grace Naliva, and Michella’e Brigid Stolz – who bring fresh energy and determination to the squad.
“For players, coaches and staff, this promises to be the pinnacle of all our careers.” #rugby #news #sports #WomenInRugby #WomenInSports https://t.co/XPiA6FxVVR
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This year’s team also features two sets of sisters – Keleni Marawa and Karalaini Naisewa, and Adi Salaseini “Sala” Railumu and Setaita Railumu – underscoring the strong family bonds that run through Fijian rugby.
One of the standout stories is Adi Salote Caginitoba Nailolo, who earned her first national selection through the newly introduced women’s competition Na Soko earlier this year, and now steps straight onto the World Cup stage.
Four Fijiana sevens players – Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Mere Vocevoce, Kelera Yani, Verenaisi Ditavutu – joined the 15s campaign in preparation for the USA test last month and retain their places at the expense of the more seasoned Atelaite Buna, Vani Arei and Luisa Tisolo.
“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,” said Cunningham, who also confirmed that Salanieta ‘Nabuli’ had not been considered for reasons of discipline and not meeting team culture standards.
“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.
“We want to inspire the nation through our performances and show the world what incredible athletes we have – with speed, power, and a ruthless edge.”
Fiji World Cup squad:
Forwards:
Alfreda Fisher Maria (Captain)
Karalaini Naisewa
Vika Matarugu
Bulou Sereseini WQ Vasuturaga
Keleni Marawa
Tiana Talei B Robanakadavu
Bitila Sigani Tawake
Loraini Adivereika Senivutu
Selai Grace T Naliva
Asinate GBL Serevi
Mereoni Nakesa
Rusila Nagasau
Adi Salaseini SK Railumu
Nunia Daunimoala
Sulita Waisega
Manuqalo Noame Komaitai
Carletta Nina Terese Yee
Jade Tayla Coates
Backs:
Setaita Natai D Railumu
Salaniet Raditova D Kinita
Adi Salote Caginitoba Nailolo
Verenaisi Ditavutu
Mere Vocevoce
Kelerayani Luvu
Litiana Nasomi Vueti
Kolora Rosi Lomani
Josifini Neihamu
Ema Adivitaloga
Alowesi Naidodravi Nakoci
Repeka Adi Tove
Ilisapeci Delaiwaau
Michella’e Brigid Stolz
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