The Western Force is delighted to confirm the re-signings of lock Sera Naiqama and front-rower Hannah Palelei for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season.
The retention of the Wests Scarborough pair takes the Force’s 2026 Super W squad list to 12, following on from a host of re-signings and the addition of Wallaroos hooker Kat Amosa.
Naiqama is a 13-cap Wallaroos lock who joined the Force prior to the 2025 season, having previously spent six seasons with the NSW Waratahs where she won four Super W titles.
The 183cm lock, who has Fijian heritage, started all of the Force’s games in the 2025 Super W season including scoring a try against the Drua in Round 3. She also made a big cultural impact off the field with her leadership and outgoing character.
Force head coach Dylan Parsons said: “Sez is another important signing. She brings a lot of experience and leadership and adds plenty to the forward pack.
“She’s also a great character for our group. She makes things light when they need to be and enjoyable when they need to be. She works hard when she needs to as well.
“She’s an important member of our group. The young tight five players look up to her and she adds a lot of Super W experience to compliment the other locks like Michaela (Leonard).
“This is another important signing for us to retain Sera for another season.”
Palelei, 25, is an emerging talent at the Force, having won the side’s 2024 Rising Star award after coming through the Club’s Academy system.
The Wests Scarborough front-rower played three games last Super W season, taking her career tally to nine, having debuted in 2023.
Parsons said: “Hannah is a local product who is gaining confidence and experience every season.
“Front row is such a tough position to keep learning and she’s really committed to it.
“Hannah has worked really hard. She’s been patient. She’s a great character for our group and one we keep supporting and developing.
“We’re excited to see how she progresses for next season and years to come.”
2026 Western Force Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s squad
Katalina Amosa, Grace Freeman, Nicole Ledington, Michaela Leonard, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Ngamihi Monk, Sera Naiqama, Alapeta Ngauamo, Hannah Palelei, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Braxton Walker, Sammy Wood
