“Rising From the Ruck”: The Quiet Trailblazer Behind Fiji’s Rise in Women’s Rugby.

In a quiet corner of Suva, among muddy fields and weekend whistles, a revolution in women’s rugby has been quietly unfolding — led not by a headline name, but by a woman whose passion roars louder than any crowd.

For nearly two decades, Tavaita Rowati has worn many jerseys: player, coach, mentor, educator. And behind each role lies a singular drive — to lift others, especially women, to see what they’re truly capable of.

“I’ve been in this system for 20 years,” she says, reflecting on a journey that began with playing in spontaneous club competitions. “I started with playing rugby, then formed my own team. Played for Suva, played for Fijiana and I’ve seen the struggles — that’s what pushed me.”

Her story isn’t just about games played or titles won — though there are those, too. It’s about building something out of nothing. “Back then, there was only one tournament we looked forward to: the Marist 7s. Now, look at it. There’s more competition, more opportunity. Girls aren’t just playing — they’re coaching, managing, becoming physios and trainers.”

She’s been part of that change, brick by brick. After becoming one of the first graduates of the sports science program at FNU, Miss Rowati didn’t just settle into a career — she paved a path. Founding Striders Women’s Rugby, she created a home for young women who wanted to play but didn’t know where to begin. “They had no teams, no guidance. So, I made space for them. Competition creates opportunity.”

But building a team wasn’t enough. She earned coaching certifications — Level 1, 2, 3. Strength & Conditioning Level 1 and 2. And now, she’s a World Rugby educator — not just to coach, but to teach others to coach.

Her goal? “To be the next Fijiana 15s Coach”

She says it plainly, without bravado — just the deep belief of someone who’s been preparing for a moment the world hasn’t quite caught up to yet. And as she describes her time as S&C coach for the 2022 Fijiana Drua and the Fijiana World Cup team , it’s clear she’s not hoping for opportunity — she’s building toward it.

And yet, it’s not just her story she’s focused on. “When I bring back what I learn from being part of the technical team of Fijiana, I bring that standard back to grassroots. Because this is where we need it most. This is where the real development happens.”

The challenges are many — unpaid roles, limited resources, inconsistent support — but she sees hope in the system. “I just wish every head coach from Marama could be here (Na Soko Competition). Every manager, every physio. We need to train and attach them to competition. That’s how we grow.”

Much of her leadership, she credits to the Women in Sport program — a course not about tactics or drills, but about confidence and courage. “You can have the knowledge, but if you’re not brave, if you don’t believe in yourself, it won’t matter. That program made me brave.”

And brave she is. From washing jerseys to managing full squads, she’s done it all — and never for the glory.

If One Girl Succeeds, a Whole Village Rises

Her background — one of service, community, and humility — also fuels her drive. Growing up in a family that always opened its doors to others, she learned early the importance of lifting others as you climb.

“If one girl succeeds, her family succeeds. Her village succeeds. All of Fiji succeeds.”

It’s not just about rugby. It’s about rewriting a future where women are seen, heard, and empowered.

So, when asked what she’d tell a young woman thinking of stepping up to coach, she doesn’t hesitate:

“Be brave. Don’t wait for permission. Put your hand up and ask. No one’s going to hand it to you — you’ve got to go get it.”

And if they do, Miss Rowati will be there — with her whistle, her wisdom, and a fierce belief in what’s possible.