ANZ Marama Championship take Women’s Rugby up another level
The past 3 years have been a revelation for the growth of women’s rugby in Fiji as the country continues to witness the huge shift in the women national teams’ competitive level at world stage, and with the massive boom of new interests into the game of rugby.
Fiji Rugby have been committed to levelling the playing field and changing the traditional view towards women’s rugby in the past decade, and the Union are beginning to see fruition of its commitment.
In 2019 the Fijiana XVs stamped their mark on the history book after qualifying for the 2022 Womens Rugby World Cup, in 2021 the Fijiana 7’s team made headlines and stunned the World Rugby fraternity after clinching the Bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and in 2022 the Fijiana Drua shocked the other teams at the Super W after dominating the campaign and qualifying into the finals.
The result is a testament of Fiji Rugby’s commitment into growing the game of rugby for women in the country. This year ANZ Bank have decided to join the marathon of growing women’s rugby after they agreed to fully sponsored a new Women’s competition.
Fiji Rugby in partnership with ANZ Bank has taken another step further in launching the first ever Womens domestic competition independent from the traditional men’s Skipper Cup.
The ANZ Marama competition will be a game changer for the upcoming players, teams will be fully funded and supported whereas it will help in the development of its players in preparation leading up to the competition.
This gives rise to the players skill buildup which will change the course of local women competition taking in up another level.
Early Results
Fijiana 7’s head coach Mr. Saiasi Fuli was very impressed with the structure of the game displayed at the ANZ Marama Championship round 3 match against Suva and Nadi.
The thrilling game between the two teams showcased the level of rugby the local women’s competition has reached.
Fuli managed to spot few young prospects that captured his attention with their defense, carries made, meters gain and attack, one which really stood out was Suva locks 21-year-old Neli Katonisalusalu whom was later approached by coach Fuli after the game.
Katonisalusalu who played at age grade rugby back in the village in Saqani, Cakaudrove made her move into the capital City last year to pursue her rugby career.
From village setting to the City, she was determined to play pro rugby where she later joined Marist rugby.
With the ongoing player development within the local clubs, Neli got through into the Suva squad where she is now playing top grade rugby for Suva in the ANZ Marama Championship.
“Coming from the village I joined Marist Club where I learned a lot of new experience and I was picked to join the Suva team,” said Neli.
“I’m really thankful for the development we’ve gone through which has helped us in our game, in the next 3 years I see myself joining the Fijiana XVs or the Fijiana 7’s squad,” she added.
Neli is now on the selection radar for the national side, the 21-year-old could be one of the many more to come who will achieve their rugby dream as Fiji Rugby continues expand the game of rugby for women in the country.