The NSW Waratahs Women’s team have arrived in Fiji ahead of their pre-season match against the Fijian Drua, which will feature as part of Saturday’s double-header alongside the men’s clash between the NSW Waratahs and the Fijian Drua.
The participation of the NSW Waratahs Women in Fiji is being supported through the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports initiative, in partnership with Rugby Australia, Fiji Rugby and the Fijian Drua.
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The match provides an important opportunity to support both teams' preparations ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby W competition in June, while also strengthening connections between Australian and Fijian women’s rugby programs.
While in Fiji, the Waratahs also took the opportunity to engage with Lomary Secondary School girl's Under-18 rugby team as they prepare for the Fiji Secondary Schools Raluve Rugby Competition in Term 2.
Players and coaching staff led a series of skills and training drills with the students before donating rugby gear to assist the team with their upcoming season.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Michael Ruthven said the visit also highlighted the importance of inspiring the next generation of female rugby players in Fiji.
“It’s been incredibly special for our group to connect with the girls here at Lomary Secondary School. You can see the passion and excitement they have for rugby, and we hope spending time with them today encourages them to continue chasing their goals in the sport.
We’re also very thankful to the Australian Government for supporting this opportunity for both the NSW Waratahs and the Fijian Drua to come together for a pre-season match. Having this game time ahead of the Super Rugby W competition is extremely valuable for both programs.”
Also named in the Australian side for her first international debut is Adi Lusiana Vesikula, who is of Fijian heritage and will line up at outside centre tomorrow.
“It’s inspiring to see the women’s game continuing to grow in Fiji, especially at the grassroots level where so many young girls are now getting opportunities through rugby, Vesikula says.
"With the Women’s Rugby World Cup being hosted in Australia in 2029, it’s an exciting time for the sport in the region. This will be my first proper international outing, so I’m really excited to have my mum, sister and a big group of supporters here in Fiji cheering me on tomorrow. It’s a very special moment for me.”
Lomary Secondary School Principal, Josua Tawake thanked the team for taking the time to visit and support the students.
“This means so much for our girls. To learn directly from professional women rugby players and receive this support gives them confidence and motivation as they prepare for the schools competition next term. The girls will remember this experience for a very long time.”
General Manager Government Relations and Pacific Partnerships at Rugby Australia, Daniel Millis, said the initiative reflected the strong partnership between rugby organisations in the Pacific and the role sport can play in building people-to-people connections.
“This visit is about more than just the match on the weekend. Working with Fiji Rugby we’re proud to support opportunities that strengthen women’s rugby pathways, create meaningful cultural exchanges, and inspire young girls across the Pacific to stay involved in sport.”
The NSW Waratahs Women take on the Fijian Drua Women at 1pm (local time) this Saturday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, ahead of the men’s clash kicking off at 4:30pm.
