The Army Rugby Union is immensely proud to announce that Guardsman Manuqalo Noame Komaitai has been selected in the Fijiana squad for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, to be held in England in the coming weeks.
It’s the latest and perhaps greatest milestone in what has been a meteoric rise for the Irish Guards soldier, whose rugby journey only began in 2021 after completing Army training. From learning the basics just four years ago to now preparing to represent her country on the sport’s biggest stage, Komaitai’s story is one of talent, perseverance and unwavering commitment.
Her inclusion in the squad comes on the back of an extraordinary few weeks in Fijiana colours:
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Try-scoring debut off the bench in a 59–5 victory over Tonga.
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First international start at number 8 in the Oceania Rugby Women’s Challenge final, helping Fiji to a hard-fought 24–20 win over Samoa and retain their regional title.
Those performances, combined with her standout four-try, Player of the Match display for the Army against the RAF in the 2025 Inter Service Championship, have firmly established Komaitai as one of Fiji’s most exciting new internationals.
Speaking after the announcement, Komaitai said:
“I am honoured and humbled to be part of the Fijiana squad for the World Cup. This is a dream come true—not just for me, but for my family, my regiment and everyone who has supported me along the way.”
From Suva to Buckingham Palace, from guarding Windsor Castle to packing down in the Fijian scrum, Komaitai has shown that discipline, pride and heart can carry you to extraordinary places.
The Army Rugby Union will be cheering her on every step of the way as she prepares to face the world’s best this autumn.
Vinaka vakalevu, Guardsman Komaitai, you’ve made history and the journey is only just beginning.
