Guardsman Komaitai Crowned Army Sportswoman of the Year

Guardsman Manuqalo Komaitai (IG) capped an extraordinary year by being named Army Sportswoman of the Year at the Army Sports Awards held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Thursday 20 November.

Komaitai becomes only the third Army Rugby Union player to win this prestigious award, following in the footsteps of Jane Leonard (2009) and Gemma Rowland (2015) – a remarkable achievement given her meteoric rise in both Army and International rugby.

Since taking up rugby just five years ago, Komaitai has enjoyed one of the most rapid ascents in Army Rugby history. The 2024/25 season saw her cement her status as a standout performer for the Army Women’s XVs, delivering influential performances throughout the Inter Service Championship. She opened the scoring in the record 96–0 victory over the Royal Navy at Twickenham, before producing a sensational four-try, Player of the Match display against the Royal Air Force. Her teammates later recognised her impact by naming her Players’ Player of the Season.

Her domestic success earned her a call-up to the Fijiana national squad in May, making her international debut against Tonga, marked by a try, before starting again versus Samoa in the Oceania Women’s Challenge title-decider. In August, she achieved a career milestone when she was selected for Fiji’s Rugby World Cup squad, an exceptional feat for a player with no previous pathway experience at international level.

On the World Cup stage she continued to shine, starting at Number 8 in all three Pool matches against Canada, Scotland and Wales, and scoring a memorable try against Scotland. Her performances drew significant attention and culminated in Premiership side Harlequins announcing her signing from London Irish Amateur RFC at the end of October.

Alongside her rugby commitments, Komaitai has consistently embodied the values of the British Army – balancing elite sport with ceremonial duties including guarding Windsor Castle and Trooping the Colour. Her humility, drive and professionalism have made her an inspiration across the Service.

Following her award win, Komaitai will now go forward as the British Army’s nominee for the UK Armed Forces Sports Awards in spring 2026.

The Army Rugby Union congratulates Guardsman Komaitai on a superb year and an honour truly deserved.

All images © Army Sport Image Gallery – Alligin Photography – Cat Goryn