There is encouraging news for the McDonald's Fijian Drua Women ahead of the start of their 2026 Super Rugby Women's campaign, with flyhalf Imeri Nai returning to training after recovering from a concussion.
Head Coach Mike Legge confirmed to fijivillage News that Nai is back in training following the injury she sustained during the Drua Women's pre-season trial against the NSW Waratahs Women in Suva.
Nai was forced from the field during the match after suffering a concussion and has spent the past few weeks on the sidelines as she progressed through her recovery.
Her return comes as the Drua Women prepare to launch their Super Rugby Women's season this Saturday against the defending champion Waratahs at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.
Legge has named an exciting squad featuring a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent.
Several players are set to make their official Super Rugby Women's debuts for the Drua, including Vodafone Fijiana 15s representatives Varanisese Qoro and Ivamere Rokowati, along with Nadroga lock Karavaki Lutumaibau and Nasinu standout Aqela Raitubu.
The starting 15 sees the most capped Drua player of all-time (25 appearances) Karalaini Naisewa (1) at loosehead prop, with Tiana Robanakadavu (3) at tighthead. Captain Bitila Tawake (2) will start at hooker.
In the middle row, Vunamoli, Nadi native MereoniNakesa (4) partners the the debuting KaravakiLutumaibau (5). The squad’s youngest member, 18-year-old Carletta Yee (6) lines up at blindside flanker with Nunia Daunimoala (7) at openside. Vice-captain Alfreda Fisher (8) starts the match at number 8.
In the backline, the experienced Evivi Senikarivi (9) gets the nod to start at halfback, partnering VaraniseseQoro (10) who is at flyhalf. Flyer Aqela Raitubu (11) starts on the left wing with vice-captain Kolora Lomani (14) on the right wing. Josivini Naihamu (12) starts the match at inside centre with Ivamere Rokowati (13) at outside centre. Litiana Vueti (15) has been handed the fullback duties for the match.
For impact this week, Keleni Marawa (16) is backup hooker, Zipporah Sorokacika (17) is loosehead, with Keri Lawavou (18) covering the tighthead prop position. Lanky second rower Vilisi Tivalele (19) will cover for the locks and Salaseini Railumu (20) backs up the loose forward trio. Vatiseva Cavuru (21) will cover the halves with Ruth Raketekete (22) covering the centres. Michella’e Stolz (23) completes matchday squad covering the back three.
