Seventeen-year-old Carletta Yee is making waves in the international rugby scene as she has been named to the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Super W season. As the youngest player in the squad, Yee stands out among notable inclusions which consist of Drua original Vitalina Naikore and three Olympic 7s bronze medallists: Raijeli Daveua, Rusila Nagasau, and Alowesi Nakoci.
Yee, a graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School, has shown remarkable dedication and performance during her training sessions, capturing the attention of head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa. Rawaqa praised her consistency on the field, noting, “We saw her play rugby from school competitions, and her performance during the off-season really caught my eye.”
The Lakeba, Lau native has demonstrated her skills recently, helping the Suva women defend their ANZ Marama trophy. Rawaqa expressed confidence in her potential impact, stating, “She ticked all the boxes, and her inclusion at such a young age is promising for both us and the future of women’s rugby.”
Her selection comes at a crucial time, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding veteran player Asinate Serevi, who has indicated this may be her last season with the franchise. Rawaqa emphasized Yee’s versatility, mentioning her ability to cover locks and the back row, underscoring the depth she brings to the team.
Rawaqa is optimistic about the composition of the squad, which mixes experienced players from both 15s and 7s formats. The Fijian Drua women are set to face off against the Waratahs in their opening match on February 28 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia. This match marks an important step in the careers of both Yee and the team, as they strive for success in the upcoming season.
This development not only highlights the bright future of women’s rugby in Fiji but also represents a growing trend of young talents breaking into competitive sports at elevated levels. As Yee embarks on this journey, she embodies hope for aspiring athletes, showing that dedication and talent can pave the way to significant achievements.
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