Women’s rugby centre of talks

MEMBERS of different media organisations gathered in Suva yesterday for a panel discussion with five members of the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua.

The event, hosted by members of Women in Media and Sports, featured players Asinate Serevi, Lavenia Tinai, Siteri Rasolea and Merevesi Fuga Ofakimalino with team manager Alisi Komaitai.

Members of the media were given the opportunity to question these players about rugby as a career and the issues faced in a maledominated sport.

Australia ambassador to Fiji, John Williams said the event with the Fijiana Drua was a timely one as it was held on the eve of International Women’s Day.

“I just cannot think of a better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than having women from the media and sports come out and share their thoughts and views on different issues,” he said.

The Fijiana Drua, who will be heading into the 2023 Super W Competition, aim to defend their title.

The national side created history last year when they won the Super W competition in their first year.

“We are here today to listen to the stories of growth and development from members of the Fijiana Drua and I am just so happy to be here,” Williams said.

Komaitai said they were more than happy to have attended the event on the eve of International Women’s Day.

“The girls have been preparing well over the past few months. And like every other team, there are challenges we face in pursuing our goal, but we are happy to be here,” she said.

Ofakimalino said rugby had grown exponentially over the past few years.

“The challenges women faced in the past in playing rugby are different from issues we face today. These days, women can now go play a man’s sport without getting lashed at by the public compared to before.”

As the Fijiana Drua prepares for the 2023 season, they will be entering the tournament as champions, and they are adamant of maintaining their status.