Fiji to join Super W

The Fijiana will join the Western Force, Melbourne Rebels, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Brumbies in the Super W - Australia’s premier domestic women XVs competition - as both countries prepare for the World Cup.

They will replace the President’s XV that competed in last year’s tournament.

The Fijiana were last in Australia in 2020 when they played against two of their key rivals, Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs, in pre-season matches.They lost both games, but only narrowly,which suggests that the Fijians will be highly competitive in this year’s tournament.

That extra competitiveness will be of significant to Australia as well as the Super W has been somewhat predictable and at times one sided ever since it began in 2018. Every year the Waratahs and Reds invariably compete for the title, with the Brumbies third, and Force and Rebels some distance behind – often losing by three figure margins.

If Fiji can shake things up a little – and there is every expectation that they should – it will add an important element to what has at times been a very predictable tournament.

The Fijiana will be based in Australia for the duration of the season, providing unprecedented opportunity for team building and match exposure for the players.

The Fiji Rugby Union CEO, John Masi OConnor thanked Rugby Australia for this great opportunity.

"We are humbled and sincerely thankful to the Board and Management of Rugby Australia for this great opportunity. This is also historical for Fiji Rugby and for Rugby in Fiji and will provide pathway opportunity for our young girls and woman in Fiji.

"We are excited with this great opportunity since it will continue to enhance the growth of woman’s rugby in Fiji and the competitiveness of all our Women's National Team.”

Fiji Rugby Union General Manager, High Performance Simon Raiwalui said: “Fijiana’s inclusion into Buildcorp Super W has come off the back of a lot of hard work and persistence from all parties involved.”

“The competition is stepping into its next stage of its evolution and it’s great to have Fijiana not only representing Women’s Rugby in Fiji but Women’s Rugby in the Pacific when they step out onto the field in round one.”

“Our aim is to give as many opportunities to Fijian based talent as we can, and this announcement certainly comes as another step in that direction.”

All of the squads for the Super W - including Fiji Drua - have also been published:

Brumbies:Ellie Brisbane, Louise Burrows, Biola Dawa, Halley Derera, Harriet Elleman, Ash Fernandez, Mana Furuta, Kimberly Fyfe, Jane Garraway, Teliya Hetaraka, Ash Hewson, Jasmin Huriwai, Grace Kemp, Makoto Lavemai, Michaela Leonard, Lillyann Mason-Spice, Jemima McCalman, Shellie Milward, Tania Nada, Georgia O’Neill, Siokapesi Palu, Niki Paterson, Talei Qalo-Wilson, Pearl Rakete, Ella Ryan, Oneata Schwalger, Rebecca Smyth, Tabua Tuniakavadra, Iris Verebalavu, Sammie Wood

Fiji Drua: Bitila Sigani Tawake, Merevesi Fuga Ofakimalino, Teresia Tinanivalu, Livia Naidei, Rusila Tamoi, Joma Bulou Serailisoni Rubuti, Reijieli Sau Uluinayau, Sereima Dibula Leweniqila, Roela Radiniyavuni, Merewalesi Rokouono, Temalesi Dilailo Sigarara, Litiana Adivolasiga Lawedrau, Melaia Werei Matanatabu, Vitalkina Naikore, Vika Matanatabu, Vitalina Naikore, Vika Matarugu, Mereoni Vonosere Namositava, Karalaini Naisewa, Keleni Marawa, Doreen Mere Karamatana Narokete, Ema Adivitaloga, Akosita Tiva Ravato, Torika Semo Vakalala, Jade Tayla Coates, Talei Marama Vuikaba Kidd, Raijieli Victoria Laqeretabua, Leonie Jane Burnes, Jiowana Bulaoca Sauto, Timaima Rosi Lulutai Ravisa, Ro Silo Veiyalaiwai Togotogorua, Kolora Rosi Lomani

Force: Sera Ah-Sam, Rebecca Clough, Tui Cope, Mahalia Ellis, Kendra Fell, Turiti-Kapuarei Galiki, Grace Gayton, Ariana Hira-Herangi, Tamika Jones, Shiane Kani, Zakiya Kereopa, Nicole Ledington, Keira Macaskill, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Paihau Pomare, Trilleen Pomare, Madeline Putz, Mahinarangi Rungarunga, Ariana Ruru-Hinaki, Langley Sesega, Macey Simpkins, Anneka Stephens, Huia Swannell, Libya Teepa, Valuese Tiakia, Raewyn Tuheke, Juraea Turner, Karlien Van Wyk, Darryl Wickliffe, Aiysha Wigley

Rebels: Tyra Boysen, Katie Bugden, Annie Buntine, Jessica Campbell, Georgia Cormick, Abigail Curtin, Krystelle De Meyer, May Elder, Norma Fuaiva’a, Emily Harvey, Sarah Hogan, Janita Kareta, Mel Kawa, Allyssa Lolesio Pua, Anime Mafaufau, Ashley Marsters, Kirsty Matapa, Michaela Maunsell, Tiarah Minns, Eirenei Nanai Nanai, Nuala O’Connor, Nawel Remini, Meretiana Robinson, Willow Rowland, Clare Ryan, Hope Schuster, Seiloga Taisi, Jade Te Aute, Tangata Tupou, Amy Williams

Reds: Skyla Adams, Tina Campbell, Annabelle Codey, Laina Cooper-Finau, Caitlyn Costello, Ellie Draper, Nicola Emsley, Aleena Greenhalgh, Imogen Hei, Sophie Holyman, Evelyn Horomia, Carola Kreis, Hana Lane, Sarah Lewis, Kiri Lingman, Okeroa Manihera, Tiarna Molloy, Alapeta Ngauamo, Renae Nona, Shannon Parry, Liz Patu, Grace Qaranivalu, Sarah Riordan, Madison Schuck, Tazmin Sheppard, Cecilia Smith, Malaela Sua, Melaine Wilks, Ivania Wong, Natalie Wright

Waratahs: Katrina Baker, Iliseva Batibasaga, Tatum Bird, Sabine Blakeman, Anita Brown, Emily Chancellor, Lori Cramer, Piper Duck, Georgina Friedrichs, Grace Hamilton, Brianna Hoy, Fi Jones, Asoiva (Eva) Karpani, Atasi Lafai, Kaitlan Leaney, Penelope Leiataua, Arabella McKenzie, Layne Morgan, Mahalia Murphy, Sera Naiqama, Nicole Nathan, Chantelle Nettleton, Bridie O’Gordman, Pauline Piliae, Emily Robinson, Jade Sheridan, Ana-Lise Sio, Adiana Talakai, Georgina Tuipulotu, Margot Vella