The Western Force have successfully signed Adi Vani Buleki, a talented Fijian player known for her dynamic performance in rugby sevens, for the upcoming 2025 Super Rugby Women’s season. At just 24 years of age, Buleki has already made significant achievements, including representing Fiji in the 2024 Paris Olympics where she scored two tries, and contributing to the Fijian team that won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She also played at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Cape Town.

Having spent the last few years developing her skills within the Fiji sevens setup, Buleki is now poised to transition to the 15-a-side game with the Western Force, following her schooling in Lautoka. Dylan Parsons, the head coach of the Force, expressed his excitement about Buleki’s potential impact on the team. He praised her versatility, noting that she brings a variety of skills that could see her excel in multiple positions on the field.

Parsons highlighted Buleki’s impressive physical attributes, describing her as a powerful runner who is also quick, tall, and strong in the air—qualities that are advantageous in both sevens and 15s formats. He emphasized that while Buleki has a wealth of experience in sevens, there is still untapped potential that can be harnessed in the 15s game.

With her arrival in Perth expected soon, Parsons is optimistic about the contributions Buleki will make to the team as they continue to evolve towards a more professional setup. He noted that Buleki’s professional background will greatly benefit the program and expressed eagerness to see how her sevens strengths can be tailored to the 15-a-side format.

This signing is not just a significant milestone for Buleki but also signals a positive trend for women’s rugby in Fiji, showcasing the increasing opportunities for female athletes in competitive rugby leagues. Buleki’s journey into the Super Rugby environment reflects a growing emphasis on developing local talent and providing pathways for young athletes to achieve their dreams in sports.

The progression of players like Buleki is a beacon of hope for aspiring female athletes in Fiji and the Pacific region, underscoring the collective commitment to innovate and enhance the representation of women in rugby. Such developments continue to inspire future generations to take up the sport, creating a bright outlook for women’s rugby both locally and internationally.