The Saru Dragons have made history by entering the Fiji National Rugby League women’s competition for the first time this year, a significant achievement for both the club and the Tavakubu community. This initiative, driven by assistant team manager Abby Satala, stems from years of discussions and the notable growth of women’s rugby union in Fiji.
Satala expressed enthusiasm about the new women’s team, stating, “Our men’s team has been running for years and they’ve been champions too. It was time we also gave our women a chance.” The club’s men’s team has a long-standing tradition of success, making the establishment of a women’s squad a timely and well-received decision.
The formation of the women’s team has been inspired by the rise of women’s rugby at both local and national levels. Satala noted, “We saw how other women’s teams in rugby union were growing, so we thought—why not us? Especially for the young women in our village.” The team consists primarily of students from Tavakubu Village, and despite only training for a month, the enthusiasm and positive response from the girls have been heartening.
Satala emphasized a message of support to families and the community, urging them to encourage the players. “We just need support and encouragement. Some of these girls are really talented. We’re proud of them, and with the right backing, they’ll go far,” she said.
The women’s competition is set to begin at the end of the month, marking a pivotal moment for women’s rugby in Fiji, reflecting a broader trend of increased participation and performance in women’s sports across the nation. This development is reminiscent of other recent initiatives, such as the Lautoka Rugby Union’s women’s competition, which also aims to empower female athletes and create more opportunities within the sport.
As women’s rugby continues to gain momentum in Fiji, these grassroots efforts symbolize a hopeful future for female athletes, promoting inclusivity and the chance to shine on a larger stage.
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