Former Fijian Drua and Fijiana XV winger Vitalina Naikore is set to make her mark in the rugby arena as she joins the Fiji Bulikula team for this year’s Pacific Championship. The 24-year-old athlete gained recognition last year when she became the first Fijian woman rugby player to sign an overseas contract in the NRLW Premiership with the North Queensland Cowboys.
Naikore was part of the Fijiana XV that competed in the 2021 Rugby World Cup and played a crucial role in helping Fijiana Drua clinch back-to-back Super W Premiership titles in 2022 and 2023. Ahead of the 2023 season, she secured a multi-year contract with the Cowboys, quickly becoming a key player on the wing and scoring three tries, including a standout double in a recent victory over the Knights.
The Fiji Bulikula team’s lineup was unveiled recently, with Talei Holmes named captain. The roster includes standout players such as Taina Naividi at fullback, Cassandra Staples and Abigayle Sekitoga in the centers, and Naikore alongside Asenaca Diranuve on the wing. The forward pack features Sereana Naitokatoka, Losana Lutu, and Ilisapeci Bari, with Teaghan Hartigan as the hooker, and Aliti Namoce, Talei Holmes, and Nanise Vakacegu positioned in the second row.
The team is gearing up for their opening match against the Cook Islands Moana team on October 26 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.