Waqaira sisters selected in Fiji Pearls training squad

Former New Zealand Under-21 representative Nanise Waqaira has been named in the Fiji Pearls' 22-member training squad.

Waqaira joins her younger sister, Eseta Waqaira, who represented the Baby Pearls at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar in September 2025.

Nanise moved to New Zealand in 2015 after being scouted by Howick College during the Pacifica Under-13 Tour in 2014. She went on to play for the Northern Mystics and Northern Stars in New Zealand's ANZ Premiership.

She was named in New Zealand's Under-19 and Under-21 squads in 2020.

Waqaira is no stranger to Fiji Pearls head coach Michelle Parsons, who coached her during her time with the Northern Stars before she returned to Fiji.

"Nani impressed the whole panel," Parsons said.

"I've coached her for a number of years back in New Zealand.

"She's been in the ANZ franchises and is well known in New Zealand. For the selectors, who didn't know a lot about her, to be impressed by how she presented herself and the physical performance she produced on court was very pleasing.

"Knowing that she's only going to get better, the selectors were excited to see how Nani and Eseta continue to grow."

Nanise began her netball journey in New Zealand in 2015 after being identified by Howick College scouts during the Pacifica Under-13 Tour.

She was joined by Eseta in 2018.

The sisters attended Natabua Primary School in Lautoka from Year One to Year Eight before moving to New Zealand, where they enrolled at Howick College.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Pearls squad is preparing for the Four Nations Spirit Series in Sydney, Australia, from July 8 to 11.

The final 12-member team will be named before departing on July 5.

The Pearls will also compete in an invitational tournament in August, while overseas-based players are expected to join trials on July 18 against a locally selected side.

The team's focus will then shift to the Netball World Cup qualifiers in September before ending the year at the PacificAus Challenge in Queensland.