Former Fijiana rugby sevens forward Vani Buleki is set to make her debut for the Western Force alongside nine additional teammates in the upcoming Super W clash against the ACT Brumbies at HBF Park in Perth. Buleki will be starting on the wing, while her former Fijiana sevens teammate, Ana Naimasi, has been left out of the Brumbies’ Match 23 squad.
Joining Buleki in the Western Force lineup are notable players including Sera Naiqama, formerly with the NSW Waratahs and Australian Wallaroos. Naiqama, who is also connected to former Fiji Bati captains Wes and Kevin Naiqama, will add to the team’s strength as they look to establish a strong performance.
The Brumbies will also feature new talent, with coach Andy Friend selecting six debutants, including No.8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra, who boasts Fijian heritage. The squad also sees returning star Ella Ryan starting at scrumhalf, alongside Faitala Moleka. Faitala’s sister, Manua, is among the three players set to debut from the bench, indicating fresh talent ready to shine.
In other developments within Fijian rugby, former Fijiana XVs prop Jiowana Sauto is preparing to play for the Queensland Reds in a development match against Penina Pasifika at Ballymore Stadium, highlighting the ongoing growth of Fijian players in rugby.
The inclusion of these emerging talents not only strengthens their respective teams but also reflects an encouraging trend of recognizing the skills of Fijian athletes on an international stage, presenting an optimistic outlook for the future of Fijian rugby.
As Buleki and her teammates step onto the field, they will embody the spirit and potential of Fijian rugby, promising exciting performances for the fans.
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