Weet-Bix Raluve U16 Final: Ratu Latianara Creates History with First-Ever Title Win

The Weet-Bix Raluve U16 National Final delivered drama, passion, and history as Ratu Latianara College claimed their first-ever title with a hard-fought 12–10 victory over defending champions Sigatoka Methodist College at HFC Stadium.
For Sigatoka Methodist, who had successfully defended the title for the past three years, reaching the final again was a testament to their consistency and dominance. For Ratu Latianara, however, this was a momentous breakthrough—one that will be remembered for years to come.

Match Summary
Sigatoka Methodist made the perfect start, crossing in the opening minute through Adi Suluana Lalabalavu to lead 5–0. Ratu Latianara responded midway through the first half with a try from Meri Sevuniyabaki, converted by Kalesi Cakau, to edge ahead 7–5 at the break.

In the second half, Mereseini Naruma’s try pushed Sigatoka back in front 10–7, but costly discipline saw them reduced to 14 players after Adi Marica Baleidaku was shown a red card, followed later by a yellow card to Raijieli Nacoro.

With the game in the balance, Ratu Latianara showed composure. A simple passing movement, built on their theme of “humbleness and simplicity,” created the space for Nanise Donumaitoga to score the decisive try after the hooter, sealing a historic 12–10 win.

Quotes from the Champions
Captain Jennifer Vakataleqica –
“This is my final year with the U16s and our very first time reaching the finals. To win it is just amazing. We thank our parents for their support, especially while we were camping at school for several weeks. This is for them.”
Coach Ratu Vidika Kuriyalavou –
“What a special feeling to be the first to win at this level for our school—it has never happened before. We thank the Lord Almighty for His never-ending love. This is a historic moment. We started this journey just to participate, but as we moved on, the girls bonded, they believed, and now they are champions.
We faced many challenges—no gym, no proper equipment, no fancy training gear. But we turned to the sand dunes, the beaches, lifting logs and sandbags to prepare these girls. That sacrifice has paid off.
Our theme was humbleness and simplicity. Against a champion team like Sigatoka, we knew we had to go back to basics. And it showed in that last try—simple passes, simple rugby, but with big belief. This is the start of something new for Ratu Latianara.”

The Bigger Picture

The final capped off one and a half months of preparation for both schools, showcasing the growing depth and competitiveness of girls’ rugby in Fiji.
For Sigatoka Methodist, their run to the final after three consecutive titles reinforced their reputation as a powerhouse. For Ratu Latianara, it was the beginning of a new chapter—one that underlines the spirit, resilience, and determination of grassroots rugby in Fiji.
As Coach Kuriyalavou said:
“90% of the job was done in preparation, only 10% on the field. This is just the beginning. We believe the best is yet to come.”


Weetbix RALUVE U16 Final
Sigatoka Methodist College 7 Ratu Latianara
Half-time: 5-7

Sigatoka MC (1-15): Salanieta Tanumi, Ema Navukula, Merelesita Esiteri, Sereima Naruku, Seini  Ryland, Senievo Rokotuwei,  Adi Marica Baleidaku, Adi Laisa Beci, Adi Ema Vasuitaukei, Mereseini Naruma, Adi Suluana Lalabalavu, Adi Vaoca Namoko,  Quinie Elizabeth Bulai, Merewalesi Kolitapa, Kalesi Veitube
RESERVES: Milika Veitube, Karalaini Qoro, Mererai Batirerega, Miliana Matea, Miriama Moceiwai, Adi Alisi Nareki,  Kelera Cikaitoga, Raijieli Nacoro, Lilivaha Tabuto, Salaseini Tuipeleyaki

Tries: Lalabalavu, Naruma
Con: Veitube


Ratu Latianara College (1-15): Jennifer Vakataleqica, Miriama Turagaborisi, Ana Ratuva, Aralai Seru, Raijeli Lala, Uliana Namarua, Ani Johanna, Merewalesi Naqia,  Meri Sevuniyabaki, Narrel Bolei, Iliseva Tuimatanisiga, Nanise Donumaitoga, Kalesi Cakau, Mereani Bulavou, Margare Gaunavou
RESERVES: Bale Kaukoca, Vasiti Matanimeke, Arieta Sakakece,  Irena Tukinimasei, Vicki Loacina, Virisine Marama,  Kolokesa Robanakadavu, Atelina Gonerogo, Luisa Vuibeqa, Akata Vilisi
Tries: Sevuniyabaki, Donumaitoga
Con: Cakau

EVENTS
1min – TRY SIGATOKA METHODIST; Lalabalavu ; Conversion (missed)– 5-0
17mins – TRY RT LATIANARA COLLEGE; Sevuniyabaki; Conversion, Cakau – 5-7
Half-time
12mins – TRY SIGATOKA METHODIST; Naruma; Conversion Veitube (missed) – 10-7
18mins – RED CARD, SIGATOKA METHODIST, Adi Marica Baleidaku
33mins – YELLOW CARD, SIGATOKA METHODIST, Raijeli Nacoro
35mins – TRY RATU LATIANARA Donumaitoga; Conversion (missed)10-12
FULL TIME 10-1