Beauty queen to carry match ball

Miss Pacific Islands 2025 Litara Ieremia- Allan will carry the match ball before kick-off in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific opener at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Saturday.

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua takes on Moana Pasifika in what is dubbed as the 'Battle of the Pa­cific'.

Ieremia-Allan, a former rugby player, said it was an honour to be given the role.

"It's exciting. It's a privilege - that kind of role isn't given to just anybody, so I take it very humbly," she said after receiving her Drua jersey during their tour of the Drua training facility in Legalega, Nadi, yesterday.

"I hope it inspires other young women that whether you're on the rugby field or on the pageant stage, you can serve your com­munity and your Pacific people in many ways." She said rugby played a big part in shaping her values.

"I haven't worn my boots in a long time and I don't claim to be any good, but I had a lot of fun playing. It taught me about cama­raderie, sisterhood, team spirit and having each other's back."

Ieremia-Allan played rugby at school in Waikato and later in Wellington.

"Shout-out to all the girls I played with who taught me a lot about resilience, pushing through mentally and spiritually. I also had the privilege of play­ing with some of the girls who are now playing here in Fiji," she said.

She played alongside Jade Coates and said many of her for­mer teammates are now playing around the world.

Ieremia-Allan also encouraged fans to support the Fijian Drua or Moana Pasifika but moreover support the women standing for empowerment and cultural pres­ervation.

The Miss Pacific Islands pag­eant will be crowned at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Saturday at 7pm. The rugby match kicks­off at 3.30pm.