Women’s RWC qualification at Stake in Inaugural Oceania Championship

The inaugural Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship takes place between Fiji and Papua New Guinea on Saturday 5 November in Suva at ANZ Stadium.

The match will determine the Oceania qualifier for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) with the winner progressing to the final WRWC2017 Asia/Oceania Qualifier event in December in Hong Kong. That tournament will feature two Asian qualifiers and one Oceania qualifier, with the two highest placed teams qualifying for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland.

PNG Captain, Margaret Naua, declared that, “Preparations have been good, we had our first training session after arriving on Wednesday. Everyone’s excited and looking forward to playing the game on Saturday.”

“Fiji has been very welcoming, we like the hospitality of the people and would love to come back and play again here. I have told the team to go out there, play hard, play as a team and give your best.”

Fiji captain Lailanie Burnes said, “The atmosphere in camp is one of excitement, we are ready for the challenge ahead of us. The team has really come together and gelled well. The team is working together to accomplish our goal which is winning this game on Saturday.”

“The team is not taking this lightly because at the end of the day we are representing not only ourselves, our clubs, our families but we have an entire nation upon our shoulders and we want to make everyone proud out. We want to show the world what Fiji women can do especially in the arena of fifteens rugby.”

When the Fijiana team takes to the field against Papua New Guinea they’ll be trying for two goals: a test match win, and kicking gender inequality to the sideline.

And UN Women will be backing them in their efforts on and off the field in the start of a new partnership, according to UN Women Multi Country Representative Aleta Miller.

“This is a hugely significant game for the team and for UN Women, as not only is this the first time UN Women has partnered with the Fiji Rugby Union to support women in sport, but it is the first test match the Fijiana 15s have played since 2006 and the first time at home,” says Ms Miller.

Fiji Team

1. Lailanie Burnes (Captain)
2. Pasemaca Buadromo
3. Esiteri Bulikiobo
4. Fuga Ofakimalino
5. Laisa Taga
6. Joma Rubuti
7. Mere Moto
8. Sereana Nagatalevu
9. Rejieli Uluinayau
10. Merewalesi Rokouono
11. Paulini Ravouvou
12. Talica Vodo
13. Litiana Lawedrau
14. Limaina Wai
15. Roela Radiniyavuni
16. Vlisi Vakaloloma
17. Mereoni Yabakidrau
18. Jowana Vuni
19. Makereta Tunidau
20. Sainimere Naleweniikataga
21. Tavaita Rowati
22. Mereani Moceituba
23. Wainikiti Deku

Papua New Guinea Team

1. Pamela Waringe
2. Jane Buku
3. Norah Wartovo
4. Isi Govea
5. Clara Biyamah
6. Melanie Kawa
7. Lynette Kwarula
8. Debbie Kaore
9. Victoria Kamen
10. Margaret Naua (Captain)
11. Nina Stein
12. Kymlie Rapilla
13. Marlugu Dixon
14. Cassandra Sampson
15. Joanne Lagona

16. Lorraine Pomat
17. Geua Larry
18. Tracy Stains
19. Harkana Dixon
20. Theresanne Daimol
21. Angela Parao
22. Helen Abau
23. Augusta Livuana

Match Information:

• The game is being Live Streamed. The link is –  http://fijione.tv/livestream/
• Match is being held at ANZ Stadium, Suva – gates open at approx. 2.15 pm. Tickets cost $FJD5 and can be bought on the day.
• Follow Oceania Rugby Social Media for live updates and scores

Match Ref – Alan Aioluptota (Samoa) male
Assistant Ref 1 – Avei Fa’alupega (Samoa) Female
Assistant Ref 2 – Nere Ululinacera (Fiji) Female

(Source: Oceania Rugby Press Release)