Olympic bronze medalist Rusila Nagasau is making headlines by taking the field for the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s team in their upcoming Super W match against the ACT Brumbies. At 37, she becomes the first female rugby player to represent the Drua following her recognition as Fiji Sports Woman of the Year in 2022, marking a historic moment for women’s rugby in the country.
Nagasau’s impressive career includes her vital role in Fiji qualifying for the 2016 Olympics, where she scored four essential tries against Samoa during the 2015 Oceania Women’s Sevens Championship final. She also showcased her leadership abilities as the captain of the Fijiana sevens team that earned a silver medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and she was named captain for the national squad at the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Her participation in this match not only highlights her extraordinary journey but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in Fiji, especially young female players. The Drua, led by head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa, aims to build on prior performances and demonstrate the growth of women’s rugby while seeking their first victory of the season after facing challenges against the Queensland Reds.
The upcoming match is expected to be accompanied by enthusiasm from fans, as both teams vie for their first points in the Super W competition. With Nagasau’s experience and talent alongside emerging players like 17-year-old Carletta Yee making her debut, the stage is set for an inspiring display of rugby at 3:35 PM at Churchill Park.
As women’s rugby continues to gain traction in Fiji, the combination of seasoned Olympians and youthful talent positions the Drua for a promising season ahead, showcasing the potential for success and growth in this sports arena.
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