It has been an exciting year for women’s rugby in Fiji, says Fiji Rugby Union development manager, Koli Sewabu. And he indicated that FRU was working towards more development for women in rugby in future.

Sewabu said this was all part of preparation towards the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year.

He made these comments during the regional women’s 10s competition at Bidesi Park, Suva, yesterday.

The women’s national 10s on Saturday will be a selection ground for the extended squad to the World Cup.

“The development team is working really hard to raise the profile of women’s rugby in the country so this is the start of the many good things that will happen,” the former Flying Fijians No.8 said.

Aotearoa Cup

“As part of the preparation of World Cup, all affiliated team to the FRU, now all have a women’s team in the competition.

“Next year we are looking to work with Fiji Secondary Schools if these COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in schools.

“We will start to stage the tournament for secondary school girls as part of the build-up to the Rugby World Cup Legacy programme.

“So in that there will be a tournament in New Zealand, leading up to the main World Cup tournament.

“It is called the Aotearoa Cup which will involve Australia and New Zealand and also include five countries from the Pacific – Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and PNG,” he added.

“The aim there is when they do the tour trophy in May, we will stage a tournament for the girls where we will pick 15 Under-18 girls from Fiji to represent Fiji in the Aotearoa Cup in New Zealand.

“It will also be a part of our build up for our women’s coaches and managers where they will go though some leadership and empowerment courses all paid for by World Rugby.”

Fijiana XVs selection

Ten teams will meet in the national women’s 10s festival at Garvey Park, Tavua, on Saturday.

Two teams are chosen from the five regions from the North, West and East and Central.

These are teams from the rural areas and Sewabu said this was a platform and opportunity where they can lift their hands up and push for selection.

“We are having these tournaments to cast the net a bit wider, and identify few more,” Sewabu said.

“The Fijiana head coach (Senirusi Seruvakula) wants to see more talents, which we have done in the last few tournaments, so some exciting young players are coming through.

“Most of the girls from the Northern region are 16 and 17-year-old.

“But what we are looking for are girls who understand their functional roles well, skills set they bring into the tournament and also their composure when they are under pressure. That is what selectors are looking for.

“We also are looking for tall, lean players that can fill in our locks and flanker position. That is an area that we are lacking in and of course the front rows. “So we need good built front rows in the lead up to the World Cup.

“Because the aim to finish in the top eight,” he added.

The two teams from the regions are Northern Sharks, Western Crusaders, Roosters, Highlanders and Central Falcons.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup will be held in New Zealand from September 18 to October 16, next year.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj