Suva women's rugby team determined to push on despite challenges

The Suva women's rugby team is still unbeaten in the Skipper Cup competition after four matches but it has not been an easy journey for the side as they have been fundraising to support players who are struggling financially - many of whom need help with bus fare to attend training sessions in the morning and afternoon.

Coach Tavaita Rowati says about three-quarters of the team is currently unemployed and most are school leavers.

This is her second year as coach.

Rowati also works for Fiji Rugby as a Strength and Conditioning coach for the women's team at the High Performance Academy.

She says it is the parents, supporters and friends who have been helping the team with fundraising.

Rowati says some of the players have stepped up and they have seen changes in their fitness and performance on the field while others need extra attention but people work in different ways and it all depends on individual goals and where they want to go and finish.

She says decision making and sacrifices play a huge part for the players in ensuring they have the will to continue and not let the challenges affect them.

Rowati says the team has a good mix with the youngest player being 17-year-old Jiutajia Rokini and the oldest being Mereani Moceituba who is 35-years-old.

She says some national players are in the team and they are Ana Maria Naimasi, Luisa Tisolo, Akosita Ravato, Ada Dansey, Laisa Taga, Mere Moto, Makereta Tunidau and Maria Rokotuisiga.

Suva will face Naitasiri in the Skipper Cup women's competition at 4pm Friday at the ANZ Stadium.

In the men's competition, Lautoka will take on Namosi in the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy Challenge and Skipper Cup Competition match at 3pm Saturday at the ANZ Stadium.

Suva will face Naitasiri at the ANZ Stadium at 6pm Friday, Nadi will face Nadroga at Prince Charles Park on Friday at 5.30pm while Tailevu will take on Yasawa at 3pm Saturday at Ratu Cakobau Park.