6 newcomers named for Drua Women’s opener against the Waratahs

Six new players have been named in the 23-member squad for the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s side when they take on the Waratahs in round 1 of the Super Rugby Women's competition.

Head Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has named Vika Matarugu as captain and attacker Vitalina Naikore as vice-captain.

Rawaqa has named the six Drua debutantes in the first match of 2025, with Fijiana reps Alfreda Fisher, Josivini Naihamu and Alowesi Nakoci listed in the starting 15 alongside Salaseini Railumu.

The side also sees the return of Naikore, Kolora Lomani and Ema Adivitaloga.

Salanieta Nabuli will partner with captain Matarugu at prop and Keleni Marawa will start at hooker.

Mereoni Nakesa will team up with Asinate Serevi at lock, while Fisher and Railumu will start at flanker.

Former captain Karalaini Naisewa is at number 8.

Kolora Lomani will partner with Salanieta Kinita at the halves, Naihamu starts at inside centre with vice-captain Naikore outside her.

Nakoci secures her spot in the left wing with Repeka Tove on the right wing, and Luisa Tisolo will start at fullback.

The Drua Women’s side will take on the Waratahs at 6.05pm Friday.

Team Lineup Starters

1. Salanieta Nabuli 2. Keleni Marawa 3. Vika Matarugu (c) 4. Mereoni Nakesa 5. Asinate Serevi 6. Alfreda Fisher 7. Salaseini Railumu 8. Karalaini Naisewa 9. Kolora Lomani 10. Salanieta Kinita 11. Alowesi Nakoci 12. Josivini Naihamu 13. Vitalina Naikore 14. Repeka Tove 15. Luisa Tisolo

Impact

16. Isabella Koi 17. Loraini Senivutu 18. Ana Korovata 19. Ema Adivitaloga 20. Bitila Tawake 21. Evivi Senikarivi 22. Litiana Vueti 23. Merewairita Neivosa