The Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women have named 10 rookies in their 34-member squad for the 2024 Super Rugby Women competition.
The 2024 squad sees several new faces joining the squad, which retains a number of players who won the 2023 championship.
The return of former Rebels hooker Vika Matarugu is a boost to the team, joining experienced throwers like Keleni Marawa and Litia Marama alongside rookie Una Lalabalavu.
There are two new loosehead props Salanieta Nabuli and Loraini Seiniloli, with Anasimeci Korovata’s return helping step up the front row this season, while the other end of the scrum has another rookie Tiana Robanakadavu who will be backed by the experience of Mereoni Vonosere and Siteri Rasolea.
The middle row consists of Mereoni Nakesa, Jade Coates, Asinate Serevi and Nunia Uluikadavu at lock.
The backrowers include rookie Merewai Nasilasila alongside Sulita Waisega, hard hitting Fulori Nabura, and Merevesi Ofakimalino.
Karalaini Naisewa offer options for coaches for the number 8 forward spot.
Merewalesi Rokouono returns from the North Queensland Cowboys in the NLRW to compete for the critical flyhalf position in the squad, alongside rookie Salanieta Kinita and Jeniffer Ravutia.
Young Noelani Baselala is only rookie halfback joining Setaita Railumu and Evivi Senikarivi.
On the wings, New Zealand-based Iva Sauira and Atelaite Buna make a break into the wider squad, joined by Adita Milinia.
Leading the centres is Fijiana stalwart Vani Arei, joined by Merewai Cumu, Litiana Lawedrau and another new recruit Merewairita Neivosa. Repeka Aditove and Luisa Basei are the two fullbacks in the squad.
Fijian Drua Women Head Coach Moses Rauluni said: “The team is a perfect mix of experience and youth players, bringing in a new blend of skills set and talent to the Super Rugby Women competition.”
He said the aim for the squad is to build game by game towards getting our hands on the cup for a third time.
“This requires a lot of commitment, hard work, dedication coupled with accountability and accuracy in terms of ensuring that we deliver what is expected of us. Now that we’ve joined the Fijian Drua franchise our campaign has been further boosted towards this ultimate goal.”
