History was made yesterday as Guardsman Manuqalo Komaitai (Irish Guards) earned her first international cap for Fijiana, coming off the bench to score a memorable try in their commanding 59–5 victory over Tonga.
The Army Rugby Union is incredibly proud to celebrate this momentous milestone for Gdsm Komaitai, who just months ago was lighting up the Inter Service Championship in Army red. Now, she’s wearing the white jersey of Fiji and making her mark on the international stage in style.
In front of a passionate crowd at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, Fijiana ran in ten tries to secure a dominant win over their Pacific rivals. When Komaitai entered the match in the second half, she wasted no time making an impact, scoring a try on her debut.
Komaitai’s rise from Army recruit to international rugby player has captured imaginations across both the military and rugby worlds. Having only taken up the sport in 2021, her debut caps off a whirlwind journey that has included:
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Four tries and Player of the Match in the 2025 Inter Service clash against the RAF at Kingsholm
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Selection for Fijiana trials
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Inclusion in the matchday squad vs Tonga
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And now, a try-scoring international debut
Speaking after the match, Komaitai said:
“It’s an honour to represent Fiji and the British Army. I’m proud of where I come from, and I’m thankful for the support of my Regiment and Army Rugby.”
Her story continues to inspire young women across the world, from Suva to the gates of Buckingham Palace and now on the rugby fields of international test rugby.
From all of us at the Army Rugby Union: vinaka vakalevu, Guardsman Komaitai. You’ve worn the Fijian jersey with pride and made the Army proud, too.
