“Everything I do, I do it for them,” said 18-year-old Carletta Yee, explaining the role her parents have played in her rapid rise as she prepares with the Vodafone Fijiana XV for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England later this month.
Named in the final squad at a ceremony at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Yee — from Solevu, Malolo, Nadi, with maternal links to Levuka, Lakeba and Lau — said being away from her family at a young age is difficult but their encouragement keeps her focused. “They just told me to keep going and keep pushing,” she added.
Spotted by Times Sports after a scrimmage at Lawaqa Park, Yee described how it would feel to don the white jumper: “I will feel very blessed, very honoured to be part of that final 32… for the coaches for trusting me to be part of the squad, especially at 18 years old.” The youngest of five siblings, Yee has already built a varied sporting resume — she’s a Fijiana XV representative, a member of the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women, and a medal-winning discus thrower for St Joseph’s Secondary School at the Coca-Cola Games.
Yee’s selection reflects a broader pathway from school competitions and domestic rugby to professional franchise and international levels. She has made appearances for the Drua in Super W competition and has been involved in Oceania international fixtures, experiences that have helped prepare her for the physical and tactical demands of a World Cup campaign.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup runs in England from August 22 to September 27.
Additional comments:
– Yee’s journey highlights the growing development pipeline for women’s rugby in Fiji: strong school competitions, domestic club exposure, Super W franchise experience and national team opportunities. Her multi-sport background (track and field discus) likely contributes to her power and athleticism as a forward.
– Her youth and recent professional exposure give the Fijiana a boost of energy and depth, while also signaling to aspiring players at school level that high-performance pathways are attainable.
– For readers: keep an eye on how the coaching staff balances youth like Yee with experienced campaigners — that blend will be central to Fiji’s World Cup performance.
Brief summary:
Carletta Yee, 18, credited her parents for their support after being named in the Vodafone Fijiana XV World Cup squad. A Fijian Drua player and former school discus medallist, Yee said she felt honoured by the coaches’ trust and looks forward to representing her country at the World Cup in England (Aug 22–Sep 27).
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