All-female coaches guide Ratu Luke to historic outing
The absence of a Physical Education teacher prompted Davui-Nainima and Vaniqi to step into the coaching roles; the school has a roll of 165 students.
Thursday 06 August 2026 | 14:00
From left: Ratu Luke Secondary School Under-18 assistant coach Salanieta Vaniqi, manageress Rosemary Korovulavula and head coach Mereseini Davui-Nainima at the Suva Grammar School grounds on August 1, 2026.
Photo: Sereana Salalo-Baleiwai
Ratu Luke Secondary School from Daria, Wainunu, Bua created history last Saturday despite a 6-50 loss to Suva Grammar School in the Vodafone Deans Under-18 elimination.
It was the first time the school had qualified for the national play-offs. The team also became the first Under-18 side to be led by an all-female coaching staff.
The side was coached by Mereseini Davui-Nainima, with Salanieta Vaniqi as assistant coach and Rosemary Korovulavula as team manageress.
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With a school roll of just 165 students, Davui-Nainima said they punched above their weight against Suva Grammar School, which has a student population about 11 times larger.
The absence of a Physical Education teacher prompted Davui-Nainima and Vaniqi to step into the coaching roles.
“Our team wanted to compete in the rugby competition, so we sacrificed our time to help them get here,” Davui-Nainima said.
“We took up the role and enrolled in the Level Two coaching course. We are still completing that qualification.
“From that small sacrifice, we reached the elimination round. Despite the loss, we made history for our school.”
Ratu Luke Secondary School Under-18 team at Suva Grammar School grounds on August 1, 2026.
Photo: Sereana Salalo-Baleiwai
The Fiji Rugby Union requires all schools rugby coaches to hold a Level Two coaching qualification.
Davui-Nainima teaches Home Economics, while Vaniqi teaches Geography and History. They were assisted during training by Mr Ikanidrodro and Mr Korovulavula.
“We lost in the Bua Zone last year, but we came back this season and qualified for the elimination round,” she said.
“There has been a lot of learning. Teamwork and sacrifice were our biggest strengths. We also realised the importance of a proper pre-season instead of preparing only during the competition.”
Davui-Nainima welcomed the review of the competition’s Terms of Participation, which allows schools to recruit up to six guest players.
“It really benefited our school because our roll is just over 150. We recruited three students from Lekutu Secondary School and three from Bua College.
“Including all zones in the elimination round is fair. It gives schools from the North the opportunity to showcase their talent.”
Davui-Nainima said she hopes the team can secure proper training equipment instead of relying on improvised gear.
She also acknowledged the support of parents, teachers and the people of Wainunu, who travelled with the team, as well as supporters who turned up in Suva.
