Fijiana 15s Squad Named for Women’s Rugby World Cup in England
Fiji Rugby has today officially named the Fijiana 15s squad for the women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, a team that blends proven experience with exciting young talent, ready to represent Fiji on the world stage.
Head Coach Ioan Cunningham unveiled the 32-member squad at the team’s farewell dinner in Nadi, describing it as a group built for both performance and inspiration.
Captain Alfreda Fisher Maria will lead the side, supported by a core group of senior players who featured 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.
Alongside these stalwarts, Cunningham has called up several promising debutants such as Carletta 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.
One of the standout stories is Adi Salote Caginitoba Nailolo, who earned her first national selection through the newly introduced women’s competition Na Soko earlier this year, and now steps straight onto the World Cup stage.
Four players from the Fijiana 7s program, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Mere Vocevoce, Kelera Yani, 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.
Coach Cunningham explained the selection process, noting the importance of balancing readiness for world-class opposition with the team’s culture and discipline.
“We have a good blend of experienced players and exciting young talent. I am really looking forward to seeing how the younger players perform on the world stage,” Cunningham said.
“We will be playing teams ranked in the top 10 in the world, so we will be challenged by the speed, physicality, and intensity they bring. The younger players give us the energy we need for that battle.”
“We want to inspire the nation through our performances and show the world what incredible athletes we have — with speed, power, and a ruthless edge.”
Cunningham also confirmed that Salanieta “Nabuli” was not considered for selection due to disciplinary reasons and not meeting the team’s cultural expectations.
The Fijiana 15s depart for England next week on Wednesday 13th with their opening Rugby World Cup match scheduled against Canada on the 23rd of this month.
Fijiana 15s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Squad
Forwards:
1. Alfreda Fisher Maria (C)
2. Karalaini Naisewa
3. Vika Matarugu
4. Bulou Sereseini WQ Vasuturaga
5. Keleni Marawa
6. Tiana Talei B Robanakadavu
7. Bitila Sigani Tawake
8. Loraini Adivereika Senivutu
9. Selai Grace T Naliva
10. Asinate GBL Serevi
11. Mereoni Nakesa
12. Rusila Nagasau
13. Adi Salaseini SK Railumu
14. Nunia Daunimoala
15. Sulita Waisega
16. Manuqalo Noame Komaitai
17. Carletta Nina Terese Yee
18. Jade Tayla Coates
Backs:
19. Setaita Natai D Railumu
20. Salaniet Raditova D Kinita
21. Adi Salote Caginitoba Nailolo
22. Verenaisi Ditavutu
23.Mere Vocevoce
24. Kelerayani Luvu
25. Litiana Nasomi Vueti
26. Kolora Rosi Lomani
27. Josifini Neihamu
28. Ema Adivitaloga
29. Alowesi Naidodravi Nakoci
30. Repeka Adi Tove
31. Ilisapeci Delaiwaau
32. Michella’e Brigid Stolz