Fijian Drua captain Bitila Tawake says her team is ready to fire in Super Rugby Women’s despite the distraction of an ugly homophobic scandal back home.
Fiji Rugby Union director of rugby Laijipa Naulivou – a former national women’s captain – was sacked this month just four days into her job.
Naulivou sensationally told the Fiji Sun newspaper that the country had a “gay problem” and “those who played with me know that I do not condone being gay for women in rugby”.
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“I always speak against it and I know I’m very unpopular in that area with those who practice it,” she added.
Naulivou was swiftly removed from her role.
“Our women’s team and all players can rest assured that this will in no way impact their opportunities, representation and continued development as integral members of Fiji Rugby,” the FRU said.
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“FRU remains steadfast in ensuring a supportive, inclusive and empowering environment for all the Fiji Rugby Vuvale (family), regardless of gender, background or identity.”
The Drua are playing in the SRW season opener against the NSW Waratahs at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on February 28.
“I’d rather not comment on that but so far the girls are in good spirits coming into this week,” Tawake told reporters at the season launch at North Sydney Oval.
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“We usually keep things off the field and on the field on the field so, yeah, everyone just wants to keep it that way.”
The Drua were pumped 50-14 by the Waratahs in last year’s final after winning the previous two titles.
“Everyone’s stacked this year,” Tawake said.
“It’s World Cup year, so everyone’s competitive this year.”
The top four teams after the five week regular season will contest the semi-finals, with the grand final to be held at North Sydney Oval on April 12.
The champions then travel to New Zealand to face the winner of Super Rugby Aupiki in the inaugural trans-Tasman clash on April 17.