Olympic bronze medalist Rusila Nagasau is set to make history as the first female player to represent the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s team in an upcoming Super W match against the ACT Brumbies. At 37 years old, her participation marks a significant milestone for women’s rugby in Fiji, following her recognition as Fiji’s Sports Woman of the Year in 2022.
Nagasau’s outstanding rugby career features pivotal moments, including her contributions to Fiji’s qualification for the 2016 Olympics, where she scored critical tries against Samoa during the 2015 Oceania Women’s Sevens Championship final. In addition, her leadership as captain of the Fijiana sevens team led to a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and she was also named captain for the national squad during the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
This upcoming match not only showcases Nagasau’s remarkable journey but also serves as a beacon of motivation for aspiring female athletes in Fiji. The Drua, under the guidance of head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa, are looking to build on their previous performances and demonstrate the development of women’s rugby, hoping to secure their first win of the season after recent challenges against the Queensland Reds.
Fans are expected to rally behind the team as both the Drua and the Brumbies strive for their first points in the Super W competition. The match will feature the blend of Nagasau’s expertise with fresh talent, including 17-year-old Carletta Yee, who will be making her debut. The encounter is scheduled for 3:35 PM at Churchill Park, promising an engaging showcase of rugby.
With women’s rugby gaining momentum in Fiji, the exciting mix of veteran players and young talent like Yee provides the Drua with a bright outlook for the season, highlighting the potential for success and further growth in this dynamic sports landscape.
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