Pathway to Excellence: Women’s Program Delivers Talent and Results

Suva, Fiji – After three intense weeks of development and competition, Fiji Rugby’s Na Soko Women’s championship concluded with a thrilling 25–23 showdown between the top two teams, Bilibili and Takia — a testament to the growing depth and quality of women’s rugby talent across the country.

Takia were crowned champions of the 2025 Na Soko Championship after clinching a dramatic 25–23 victory over Bilibili at Albert Park.

Bilibili started strongly, scoring the first try of the match in the 4th minute through Maria Rokotuisiga, with Wainikiti Vosadrau adding the conversion for an early 7–0 lead. Takia responded quickly through Teresia Matea, before Vilimaina Naituku crossed in the 11th minute to give Takia a 10–7 advantage.

Vosadrau leveled the scores with a penalty in the 16th minute, but Bilibili suffered a setback shortly after when Susana Railumu was shown a yellow card for infringement. Takia capitalized, with Jennifer Ravutia slotting a penalty to reclaim the lead at 13–10.

Despite being down to 14 players, Bilibili surged back before halftime. A determined run by Ivamere Nabura saw her cross the line in the 37th minute to restore Bilibili’s advantage. Vosadrau missed the conversion, but her side went into the break ahead 15–13.

Bilibili extended their lead early in the second half with another penalty goal from Vosadrau, making it 18–13. However, Takia weren’t done. Ziporah Salusalu struck back with a well-finished try, and Viniana Riwai added the extras to tip the balance once again in Takia’s favor.

Takia widened the gap in the 52nd minute when Kinisimere Vosawa powered through to score, pushing the lead to 25–18. Bilibili responded swiftly through Virisita Kauniloloma, who dotted down in the 55th minute to bring the score to 25–23. However, a missed conversion from Nabura would ultimately prove decisive.

Both teams fought hard in the final stages, but Takia held on to secure the championship title by the slimmest of margins.

The match marked the culmination of a highly successful program designed to identify, develop, and elevate emerging female rugby players. According to FRU Academy Coach Mike Legge the tight result reflected the high standard of play developed over the course of the three weeks.

“This program has been an excellent exercise,” said Legge.

“Already, four players were called into Fijiana training yesterday, and another six are heading in today. That’s exactly what we set out to achieve — to build a pathway for women to reach the elite level.”

In a strong show of confidence in the program’s impact, a squad of 30 players from today’s match is expected to be named shortly. The selected squad will face the Fijiana national team in two weeks, providing Head Coach Ioan Cunningham with an additional opportunity to assess talent ahead of the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship.

Injuries — a common concern in intensive training blocks — were notably minimal in the final match. Officials noted that while the first week saw several injuries, mostly due to limited preparation, these numbers dropped significantly as athletes gained consistency through regular training and competition.

“The improvement in fitness, skill, and game understanding has been clear. More importantly, the girls are playing smarter and safer rugby,” Legge added.

Another key feature of the program’s success was the strong support from provincial coaches and managers. The final match saw high-performance staff step back and allow provincial coaches to lead. Coaches such as Sale Tubuna, Saiasi Koroi, Taione Ratu, and others have all been praised for their leadership, with special mention going to experienced coach Bill Ma’afu, who traveled from Taveuni to contribute.

“Having quality coaches deliver a consistent message has made a huge difference. It’s shown in the way the girls have performed. The collaboration between staff — coaches and managers alike — has been outstanding.”

Looking ahead, there is growing optimism for the future. With discussions underway about launching a Pro Women’s Competition, possibly including fixtures in Hawaii, the call to Fiji’s provincial unions is clear: invest more in women’s rugby.

“In just four weeks, we’ve seen players emerge who can genuinely challenge for places in the Fijiana and Fijiana Drua squads. Imagine the results if we sustained this support year-round.”

The message is simple: Fiji has the talent. With continued investment, structure, and support, this group of athletes is poised to drive women’s rugby to new heights — not just locally, but on the global stage.

NA SOKO Womens Championship Final

Thursday 01 May, 2025                                   

BILIBILI 23 TAKIA 25

Half-time: 15-13

Referee: Lavenia Racaca

Albert Park, Suva

KO: 1:00pm

BILBILI (1-15): Wainikiti Vasuturaga, Mata Bale, Elonoa Dauni, Margaret Wye, Doreen Narokete, Fulori Nabura, Jasiliva Mocenacagi, Susana Railumu, Vitorina Toga, Salote Nailolo, Maria Rokotuisiga, Wainikiti Vosadrau, Aseri Raitubu, Michelle Stolz

RESERVES: Silina Baselala, Adi Kere Lawevou, Emi Karanavatu, Tupou Daveta, Lusiana Keperieli, Mere Biau, Ivamere Nabura, Virisita Kauniloloma, Salote Vuniwaqa, Carolline Ligaiviu, Asenaca Siata,  Kinisimere Radrdrolagi, Rebecca Mata, Karavaki Lutumaibau

Tries: Maria Rokotuisiga, Ivamere Nabura, Virisita Kauniloloma

Conversions: Wainikiti Vosadrau

Pen Goal: Wainikiti Vosadrau (2)

YC: Susana Railumju

TAKIA (1-15): Ilisapeci Saurara, Sereima Raude, Mere Wainiqolo, Loata Talilevu, Asenaca Naio, Lusiana Tinai, Ilisapeci Molikula, Teresia Matea, Livia Nadei, Jennifer Ravutia, Viliamaina Naituku, Loata Beranado, Siteri Tabua, Younis Bese, Losana Kuribua

RESERVES: Charlotte Ratuva, Selai Nativa, Margie Tunidau, Torika Semo, Varasiko Tukana, Kinisimere Vosawa, Viniana Riwai, Adi Ana Latunauca, Mela Matanatabu, Ada Dansey, Lynda Poulter, Ziporah Salusalu, Reapi Didreva, Laisa Takayawa

Tries: Teresia Matea, Vilimaina Naituku, Ziporah Salusalu, Kinisimere Vosawale

Conversion: Viniana Riwai

Pen goal: Jennifer Ravutia