Breaking Boundaries: Komatai’s Journey from Fiji to the British Army and Rugby Fields
At 29 years old, Manuqalo Noame Komaitai is not only making waves on the rugby field—she’s also breaking barriers in one of the world’s most iconic military units. Currently serving in the British Army and donning the famous red tunic of the Irish Guards outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor castle.
Hailed from Bau Island in Tailevu, Komatai’s journey from Fiji to the UK is one of courage, discipline, and a deep-rooted love for sport.
Despite growing up in Fiji—a nation where rugby is a way of life—Komaitai never played the game in her youth. Instead, she excelled in netball, representing her schools, Suva Grammar and Lelean Memorial School, as a goal attack and goal shooter. Her introduction to rugby came unexpectedly in 2021 after completing her Phase Two military training in the UK.
“I needed something to keep me busy on weekends,” she recalls. “Rugby became my happy place. It keeps me grounded, and being far from home, it gave me a sense of connection.”
She began her rugby career with London Irish Emeralds—her first-ever club—where her raw athleticism and fierce determination quickly stood out.
Initially playing as a winger, her coach soon recognized her potential in the forwards. She transitioned to the back row, covering positions 6, 7, and later number 8, a role she has since fallen in love with.
“Once I moved to the back row, I knew I had found my space. There’s no going back to the backs for me!” she says with a laugh.
Beyond club rugby, Komaitai has represented the British Army rugby team and has also played rugby league with the York Valkyrie—once again, often being the only Fijian woman in the squad. Despite the challenges, she speaks highly of her teammates’ support and the welcoming spirit of women’s rugby in the UK.
Currently, Komaitai is on a journey to connect more deeply with her roots, having returned to Fiji to try out for the Fijiana squad. It’s a deeply personal goal for her: “I’ve always said, if I had to choose, I would represent my country first. Playing for Fiji would be an honour.”
Her military career is just as groundbreaking. She is the first Fijian female soldier in the Irish Guards—a historic achievement—and one she carries with pride.
She acknowledge the support she gets from her Commanding Officer at the Irish guards; the Army Rugby union and Army Sports Lottery for the support in the development of her career
“It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned so much—discipline, time management, and commitment. These are values that have helped me both in the military and on the rugby field.”
Komaitai is a shining example of what it means to lead with resilience and purpose. Whether she’s standing guard at Buckingham Palace or charging down a rugby pitch, she represents the strength of Fijian women—fearless, determined, and proud.
She is the younger sister of the former Fijiana 15s winger, Alisi Komaitai.