17-year-old Yee named in Fijiana XVs squad for World Cup

17-year-old former MGM High School Raluve U18 captain Carletta Yee has been named in the Vodafone Fijiana XVs 32-member squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Fijiana XVs Head Coach Ioan Cunningham has blended experience and young players, with 10 players from the core group of senior players featuring in the last World Cup, including Karalaini Naisewa, Vika Matarugu, Bulou Vasuturaga, Keleni Marawa, Asinate Serevi, Rusila Nagasau, Sulita Waisega, Kolora Rosi Lomani, Ema Adivitaloga, and Alowesi Nakoci.

Alfreda Fisher Maria will lead the team.

Alongside these stalwarts, Cunningham has called up several promising debutants such as Yee, Selai Grace Naliva, and Michella’e Brigid Stolz, who bring fresh energy and determination to the squad.

This year’s team also features two sets of sisters — Keleni Marawa and Karalaini Naisewa, and Adi Salaseini “Sala” Railumu and Setaita Railumu — underscoring the strong family bonds that run through Fijian rugby.

Adi Salote Caginitoba Nailolo, who earned her first national selection through the newly introduced women’s competition Na Soko earlier this year, now steps straight onto the World Cup stage.

Four players from the Fijiana 7s program, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Mere Vocevoce, Kelera Yani, and Verenaisi Ditavutu, joined the XVs campaign in preparations for the USA Test late last month and have retained their places, edging out senior contenders such as Atelaite Buna, Vani Arei, and Luisa Tisolo.

The team gathered at Viseisei John Wesley Church for a farewell church service yesterday before presenting their i tatau.

They were received by the Turaga Na Taukei Nakelo, Ratu Josaia Natakele Baleinausori, on behalf of the Gone Turaga na Tui Vuda and the vanua.

The side will depart our shores this Wednesday, ahead of their opening match against Canada on August 24th at 4.30am.

The Fijiana are in Pool B alongside Scotland, Wales, and Canada.

The World Cup is scheduled from next Saturday to September 28th.

Fijiana 15s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Squad

Forwards:

Alfreda Fisher Maria (C) Karalaini Naisewa Vika Matarugu Bulou Sereseini WQ Vasuturaga Keleni Marawa Tiana Talei B Robanakadavu Bitila Sigani Tawake Loraini Adivereika Senivutu Selai Grace T Naliva Asinate GBL Serevi Mereoni Nakesa Rusila Nagasau Adi Salaseini SK Railumu Nunia Daunimoala Sulita Waisega Manuqalo Noame Komaitai Carletta Nina Terese Yee Jade Tayla Coates

Backs:

Setaita Natai D Railumu Salaniet Raditova D Kinita Adi Salote Caginitoba Nailolo Verenaisi Ditavutu Mere Vocevoce Kelerayani Luvu Litiana Nasomi Vueti Kolora Rosi Lomani Josifini Neihamu Ema Adivitaloga Alowesi Naidodravi Nakoci Repeka Adi Tove Ilisapeci Delaiwaau Michella’e Brigid Stolz