Fijiana include two debutants for first-ever Ubuntu–Bula Trophy clash with Springboks

The Fijiana XV have named two debutants for their encounter with the Springbok Women this weekend in Suva.

In the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s season, Buleki scored four tries as the Western Force secured a home play-off clash for the first time.

Buleki was a silver medal winner with Fiji Women Sevens at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and spent a season with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in NRLW.

Fijian Drua midfielder Ruth Raketekete, who was named her team’s Community Champion of the Year, will also earn her first Test cap for Fiji on Saturday afternoon.

The 22-year-old is joined in the match day squad with 20 of her Drua teammates at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

This reliance on Drua teammates combining with one another could well yield positive results. It was only a fortnight ago that the team played the NSW Waratahs in the Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final. The Drua came up second best that afternoon.

Kolora Lomani will captain the side at scrum-half and combine with playmaker Varanisese Qoro at half-back. Bitila Tawake is named vice-captain in the front-row, where she partners Karalaini Naisewa and Tiana Robanakadavu.

The Fijiana XV take on a Springbok Women side that will be captained by Libbie Janse van Rensburg this weekend. South Africa have named a much-changed squad from their last outing against the USA Women’s Eagles in July.

It has also been confirmed that the two teams – who are playing in Fiji for the first time – will compete for the Ubuntu-Bula Trophy, which marks South Africa’s maiden trip to the Pacific Island nation.

Fijiana XV match day 23 v South Africa

15. Litiana Vueti
14. Adi Vani Buleki*
13. Merewairta Neivoha
12. Ruth Raketekete*
11. Repeka Tove
10. Varanisese Qoro
9. Kolora Lomani (C)
1. Karalaini Naisewa
2. Bitila Tawake (vc)
3. Tiana Robanakadavu
4. Mereoni Nakesa
5. Karavaki Lutumaibau
6. Nunia Daunimoala
7. Adi Salaseini Railumu
8. Alfreda Fisher

Replacements
16. Selai Naliva
17. Elesi Saukuru
18. Keri Lawavou
19. Vilisi Tivalele
20. Jade Coates
21. Evivi Senikarivi
22. Ivamere Nabura
23. Aqela Raitubu

*uncapped