Tuqiri, Nadolo on deck to help deliver "future of Fijian women's rugby"

Fri, Mar 22, 2024, 7:00 AM
Lachlan Grey

It's not every day you're coached legendary Test duo Lote Tuqiri and Nemani Nadolo alongside Super Rugby centurion Sam Wykes on a rain-soaked rugby pitch.

But that's exactly what occurred in Fiji this week with PacificAus Sport, Rugby Australia, and the Fiji Rugby Union joining forces to deliver a specialist coaching clinic to the Lautoka Maroons women's rugby team.

Assisted by Tuqiri, Nadolo and Wykes, Rugby Australia's Head of Community Coaching, Michael Magriplis led a session focused on core skills ahead of the Maroon's upcoming ANZ Marama Championship season.

Magriplis was impressed with what he saw on the training pitch and predicted a "bright future ahead".

"They need to stay focused on rugby and keep up their training. These girls could be the future of Fijian women's rugby," Magriplis told rugby.com.au.

The ANZ Marama Championship is considered a pathway for Women's Rugby in Fiji, one that empowers players like Maroons star Avolonia Lewaiwaca to chase their rugby dreams.

"Since 2019, I've been a dedicated club member and fully committed to my training," Lewaiwaca said.

"I made it clear to my manager and coach that I didn't want to miss the chance to train (with Rugby Australia) and meet some of our rugby idols."

Lewaiewaca has been chosen to be part of the Nadi High-Performance Unit (HPU) and harbours hopes of advancing her career, ultimately donning the Drua jersey.

Rugby Australia's Head of Pacific Partnerships, Daniel Millis, was also present at the clinic and shared his optimism for the future of Fijian Rugby.

"When we partner together, we can achieve great things for rugby in our region," Millis told rugby.com.au.

"We have seen this through our PacificAus Sports partnership and what it has delivered for the Fijian Drua on and off the pitch. If these girls keep improving and transition to the Drua team, I see more Super Rugby Women titles coming Fiji's way".