Fijian athlete Ana Naimasi, a bronze medalist from the 2020 Olympics, has officially joined the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies women’s team for this year’s Super Rugby Women’s championship. Her involvement was confirmed through a team statement, which expressed excitement about her return after earlier reports of her training sessions with the squad.
Coach Andy Friend shared insights on the selection process, noting that while the decision was difficult due to the high level of talent among the players, landing on this particular squad is a positive development for the upcoming season. Friend acknowledged the challenge in choosing the roster, as many dedicated young women were also in contention but unfortunately missed out.
Naimasi’s career is diverse and accomplished, having engaged in cricket, netball, and now rugby union. She represented Fiji in women’s cricket during the 2011-2012 Tri-Series in Vanuatu and played netball at an under-19 level in the prestigious Trans-Tasman Series in New Zealand before transitioning to rugby. She made her rugby debut with the Fijiana team at the Dubai 7s in 2017 and has since been part of Fiji’s Olympic squad.
Currently, the ACT Brumbies sit fourth on the Super Rugby Women’s ladder, accumulating 10 points this season. Naimasi’s contribution is expected to bolster the team further as they aim for a successful campaign.
In summary, Naimasi’s inclusion not only adds significant experience to the Brumbies but also highlights the growing efforts to include and empower women in sports within the Pacific region. As the season progresses, her diverse skill set will likely play a crucial role in the team’s performance.
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