Growing up in Fiji in the late 1970s, I recall that when someone crossed your front yard – we didn’t have fences back then – my uncles would invite them in for a meal.
They would respond with “Vinaka, (thank you), we have already had something to eat”.
It is customary practice. This happens at any time throughout the day, during family sittings for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Even if you had nothing on the table to give, the invitation was always extended. Rarely a person would come in to share a cup of tea unless the insistence was great or there was some form of familiarity.
In November 2021 the Fijian Drua men’s entry into Super Rugby Pacific had taken up all the nation’s discourse. A flurry of excitement crossed this small island country in the Pacific – a realisation that we finally have a seat at the table in the professional rugby space. A new franchise.
When the announcement followed regarding the Fijiana Drua, it struck the lower end of the excitement scale. It was almost an afterthought. Saturday, after the surreal finals victory, I heard a commentator say, “This must really mean a lot to them”.
For Fijian women, I can tell you the response would be: “If only they knew how difficult it was and still is to be invited in for a seat at the table in the Fiji rugby ecosystem”. In previous years there had never been an invitation to come in.
For Fijian women in rugby, this is different. Only recently a woman was appointed to the Fiji Rugby Union. Worthy of mention in the Fiji women’s rugby discourse is the role the Australian government has played in bringing the Fijiana Drua to competition via PacificAus Sports.
(Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
The Fijiana Drua are not here to break cultural barriers; this is about women’s rugby. They are here to make a statement not only to the rugby family in Australia and internationally but to every woman, girl and child watching very intently from across the Pacific.
It’s a statement about possibilities. The ladies’ approach to every game is to win – nothing more, nothing less.
The axe-grinding I mentioned in previous articles had a moment when it paused on Saturday to breathe in what was and breathe out what is to come: endless possibilities.
Prior to the game I and forum colleague Isiah Washington had an emotional early-morning chat. In fact it started on Friday while waiting for my ABC Pacific Beat sports wrap-up segment. I told Isiah how, when reading the content, I had to keep repeating it until I knew I would not cry.
We all have a part to play in this story: chipping away, week in and week out, because we knew what was happening with the team prior to their arrival. In fact, this article about the quiet arrival of the Fijiana Drua could not be published until after the team arrived in Australia for fear of reprimand.
When the Drua won their second game, someone said to me, “We don’t know what the fuss is about, because our full cavalry has not yet arrived into the country”’ That spoke volumes of what was to come.
The Fijiana Drua ended the 2022 Super W competition undefeated, winning against the Waratahs 32-26 in the final. This means a lot of different things for the ladies. It is an unfolding story that is rippling across the Pacific.
Today no doubt the axe-grinding will begin again. Fijiana Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula has earnt an amplified respectful seat in the international professional rugby coaching space. He now resets the course of the voyage; all eyes are fixed on the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
There is more to be told about the Fijiana Drua. Watch this space.
Totally Incompetent
Roar Rookie
:thumbup: Wonderful final! Love to know more about Fijiana rugby, too. They have been really amazing lately throughout both codes and they are lifting the women's game
Charlie Mackay
Guest
WTF?!?! That's the biggest load of crap since ScoMo's last visit to Engadine Maccas! Boooo!!
JC
Roar Rookie
I don’t think most players would take offence when it’s said in the right spirit, Hugh. After all, refs often refer to male players as gentlemen — usually in an exasperated voice when the players are anything but! :laughing:
JC
Roar Rookie
World Rugby has just announced that the Pacific Four tournament is going ahead in June with NZ hosting as a mini trial run for the RWC. No Fijiana but perhaps scope in future years, or could the Fijiana play a series with Samoa and Tonga as I think the men do?
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
It will just take time to change habits.
JC
Roar Rookie
It’s context, isn’t it? The referee was being courteous but from others it can be a put down. Why not just use the team name/colour, or player position/number? No need to bring gender into it, really.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
In regards to the use of the term 'ladies' I wondered that too, noting I am pretty sure the ref referred to them as ladies a couple of times when addressing the forwards at a lineout.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Have been wondering about the Pacific 4 Series, based on the Fijiana performance they should be there somehow. I heard Wayne Smith speaking the other day he mentioned that World Rugby was to announce something shortly, implying it would give the Black Ferns some games before the World Cup, so assumed that maybe about the Pacific 4.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Another terrific article Tia, the Fijiana Drua really brought something special to Super W competition even though they defeated my Tahs. It was a good final. The Fijiana performance in both 7s & 15s hopefully will raise the profile in Fiji and on the international stage.
Minz
Guest
As a woman who played rugby for an extensive period, I can advise that rugby women are women, not ladies. If you wish to see ladies engaging in sports, please feel free to hop in your time machine and go watch croquet in the early 1900s; otherwise, go boil your head.
JC
Roar Rookie
Full contact is one of the reasons they play rugby, mate. Anyone who wants to play touch can do that.
JC
Roar Rookie
Yes! Marinos mentioned the Pacific Four tournament months ago but since then, silence. Is it going ahead and can Fiji be included? I know Fiji is already in the tri-series with the Wallaroos and Japan.
ClassAct
Guest
I congratulate the Drua and support women’s right to play rugby but only the ‘touch’ variety. It is unbecoming of a lady to engage in full contact. Remove the tackle and you embrace mainstream community support. Once you have that the money will follow.
Long Retired Lock
Roar Rookie
Fantastic series and grand final victory by the Fijiana Drua. Highly entertaining rugby played by the team. Great article Tia.
DJ
Roar Rookie
*Fijiana Drua (…autocorrect!)
UAP
Guest
I thought both sides played very well and a highly entertaining game. Congratulations to the Fijian ladies on their win
Solomoni Naitini Tuinasau
Guest
The Fijiana lady ruggers showed class in style. Typical itaukei always rise quietly to the occassion when faced with challenges to defy all odds, and our girls were no exemptions.
DJ
Roar Rookie
Best Super W so far and congratulations to the Fijiana Dura! Well deserved win!
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
I just posted on another thread, that final was by far the highlight of the weekend. Such an admirable team and so much potential. I hope that World Rugby takes note. There is an annual tournament between Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America mooted... Fiji should have a seat at that table.
Tigertown
Guest
Massive win by Fiji. Beautiful article too. I also appreciated the opening insights into Fijian culture. You have a new fan.