Alfreda Fisher to Lead Fiji in Women’s Rugby World Cup Debut
In her first Women’s Rugby World Cup appearance, Alfreda Fisher will captain the Vodafone Fijiana XV, taking on a global stage with a captain’s burden she has already shouldered at home. The 21-year-old back rower made history in May when she was named Fiji’s youngest-ever skipper during a Test against the Australian Wallaroos in Suva, a decision head coach Ioan Cunningham says reflects her leadership both on and off the field.
Hailing from Togo, Qamea in Taveuni, Fisher has embraced the challenge of leading her country into the world spotlight. “Humble and honoured to represent my country, it’s an added pressure but I’m managing well with a good performance and leading the girls,” she said, underscoring the balance she aims to strike between responsibility and performance.
Fisher is eager to test herself against higher-ranked teams and rally Fiji’s supporters on the road. “I’m excited, ready to take on the big stage with big teams, and hopefully our fans come out in numbers to support us. We are up for the match, nothing is impossible. The expectation is to stay longer in the UK; we really like it here,” she added ahead of their World Cup clash with Canada at LNER Community Stadium in York, England, scheduled for kickoff early in the week.
Her journey to this point is a testament to perseverance and progress in Fiji women’s rugby. Before joining the Fijian Drua Women this year, Fisher wore the Suva jersey in Fiji Rugby’s Marama Championship, a path that saw her crowned Best Under-20 Forward in 2024 after scoring seven tries that season. Her rise continued as she became part of the Fiji Women’s High Performance Unit and broke into the Fiji women’s 15s fold, making her national-team debut during the WXV3 competition in 2024 and becoming the first woman from her village to wear the national jumper.
This season, Fisher has shone for the Fijian Drua Women, earning the 2025 Rooster Chicken Women’s Player of the Year honor for her standout performances. Off the field, she serves as an ordinary seaman with the Republic of Fiji Navy, balancing discipline and training with a budding leadership role that continues to inspire young players back home.
The Fijiana’s World Cup journey begins with Canada, a bold test on the global stage that many see as a milestone not only for the team but for the broader growth of women’s rugby in Fiji. Fisher’s leadership and the team’s surrounding support provide a hopeful outlook for Fiji as they push to make their mark on rugby’s premier women’s tournament.
What to watch for: Fisher’s ability to marshal Fiji’s forwards and drive cohesion across the park will be crucial as the team faces tougher opposition. Her blend of on-field grit and off-field resilience, reinforced by her Navy-honed discipline, could be a driving force behind Fiji’s performance this World Cup. This journey highlights the ongoing emergence of Fiji’s women in rugby and serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes across the region.
Summary note: Fisher’s captaincy at this World Cup marks a significant milestone for Fiji’s women’s rugby, reflecting a rapid rise from village beginnings to global competition and underscoring the sport’s expanding footprint in the Pacific. Her story embodies leadership, dedication, and the steady progress of women in rugby across Fiji.
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