Fijian born front-rower Jiowana Sauto has been named in the Western Force squad for the 2026 Super W season and could face her former side, the McDonald's Fiji Drua Women, when the competition gets underway in Nadi this weekend.
The 28-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Western Force, having previously played for the Fiji Drua Women's, Melbourne Rebels and Queensland Reds.
Sauto's ability to play at both prop and hooker provides valuable versatility for the side as they prepare for the new season.
The Force have also added Japanese international Yuna Sato and forward Keira Macaskill to their squad.
Sato returns for a second stint with the club after playing for the Force in 2023.
The second-rower has represented Japan 27 times and featured at last year's Women's Rugby World Cup.
Macaskill, a former Debby Hodgkinson Rising Star Award winner, returns after missing the 2025 season and can cover both the back row and front row after recently converting to prop.
The trio have been brought into the squad following injuries to Kahurangi Sturmey, Braxton Walker and Katalina Amosa.
The match presents an opportunity for Sauto to take on her former team in what is expected to be an exciting start to the season for both sides.
Western Force will begin their 2026 Super W campaign against the Fiji Drua at King Charles Park in Nadi at 2pm on Saturday after receiving a bye in the opening round.
Source: Western Force
