Latest news with #AlfredaFisher
RNZ News
16-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Fijiana retains Oceania Rugby title
The Fiji women's rugby team retained their Oceania Rugby Women's XV Challenge title with a hard-fought 24-20 victory against Samoa in Sigatoka on Saturday. The win came after Fijiana held on as Manusina mounted pressure in the second half. It was a match that proved to be a thriller in the end, with the hosts coming back into the game late to score a try and claim the win. Fijiana captain Alfreda Fisher expressed pride in her team's performance. "It's been an honor defending our title on home soil," she said. "A big vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much) to the girls. We now look forward to the USA match, which will be great preparation for the World Cup." The Fijians defeated both Pacific rivals - Tonga and Samoa - at the event. Their clash against the USA will be their final warm up to the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. They are in Pool B with Canada, Scotland, Wales. Samoa are also in the World Cup, pooled with England, Australia and USA in Pool A, with matches scheduled between August 22 to September 27. Samoan captain Sui Pauaraisi praised her team's resilience, especially given the emotional challenges they faced: "I'm so proud of our girls," she said. "Every campaign, it's always been a different team-this time we had eight debutants, and they stepped up. We also played for our sisters who lost loved ones-Casey lost her mum, and another lost her dad. That's how connected this team is." A Fiji Rugby Union report stated that the Fijiana XV held off a spirited Samoan fightback to retain their crown. Hooker Bitila Tawake crashed over from a well-executed line-out maul just four minutes into the match, to give the locals a 5-0 lead. Fijiana's Michella Stolz was yellow-carded for an accidental head clash with Samoa's outside centre Drenna Falaniko, leaving Fiji with 14 players for 10 minutes. Despite being a player down, Fiji extended their lead in the 32nd minute when Ema Adivitaloga powered over after a line-out win near Samoa's posts. Luisa Tisolo added the extras, making it 12-5. Just before halftime, Fiji struck again-another stolen line-out allowed Stolz to break free before offloading to Adivitaloga, who completed her brace. Fiji led 17-5 at halftime. Samoa found momentum in the 49th minute when their inside center Faasua Makisi charged-down kick and passed to her outside center Drenna Falaniko to score their second try (17-10). Fresh legs in the Samoan scrum turned the tide, and in the 57th minute, replacement winger Linda Fiafia (jersey 22) showcased her speed and strength, breaking tackles to score in the corner (17-15). Fiji responded swiftly-Repeka Tove pounced on a loose ball from a Samoa scrum in their own 22, kicking ahead and grounding it for Fiji's fourth try. The conversion extended the lead to 24-15. But Samoa refused to surrender. Fiafia struck again in the 71st minute, burning down the wing to narrow the gap to 24-20. However, Fiji's resolute defence in the dying minutes secured their victory.
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Moana and Drua award players for 2025 season
Ardie Savea and Isoa Nasilasila received top honours at the their club awards night this week. Photo: Facebook / Moana Pasifika / Fijian Drua Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua have awarded their best players for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season in separate award ceremonies on Tuesday. Ardie Savea was the unanimous choice for the Moana Man of the Year at the prizegiving held in Auckland. While Isoa Nasilasila received the same award for the Drua men's team in Nadi on the same night. Fijiana Drua women named flanker Alfreda Fisher the Women's Player of the Year. There were also other awards presented on the night to honour players and their achievements. Moana Pasifika said Savea has been hugely influential in elevating the side to its most successful season in history, while also having a standout individual season. He was also voted 'Fans' Player of the Year'. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 21, the competition's carries leader, won 'Rookie of the Year' and the 'Tangaloa Award for Best Defensive Player'. Ta'eiloa has taken the comptition by storm after coming in as a replacement player. Since his starting debut in round two "he hasn't looked back, owning his spot in the loose forward trio", Moana Pasifika stated. With 192 carries to his name, Ta'eiloa is still 29 ahead of the next best. Flanker Miracle Faiilagi and winger Kyren Taumoefolau were joint recipients of the 'Maui Award for Best Attacking Player'. The duo have eight tries each, and remain in the top 10 for tries scored in Super Rugby Pacific. Manu Samoa halfback Melani Matavao received the Personal Development Award, which is presented to a player who works diligently on their off-field growth and holistic development. Monu Moli was also the recipient of the Tautua Award celebrating a person who leads through service to the team and the wider community, while the Moana Pasifika 'Under 20s Player of the Year' was given to Jay Dunne, who played for the club at the Super Rugby Under 20s Tournament in Taupō. Individual milestones of Julian Savea (300 first class matches), Sione Havili Talitui (50 Super Rugby games) and Jonathan Taumateine (50 Super Rugby games) were also acknowledged at the event. Fijian Drua said their awards acknowledged players and those behind the scenes in both the Fijian Drua Men's and the Fijian Drua Women's teams. A total of 13 awards were handed out on the night. Lock forward Isoa Nasilasila was selected by head coach Glen Jackson for the 'Men's Player of the Year Award'. The club said the award is "most prestigious award to be handed out for the men's team tonight. Nasilasila has been a consistent performer for the Drua all season". "His work ethic, commitment and dedication has won him praise from coaches, staff, sponsors and fans alike." Fijiana national team captain Fisher was named the 'Women's Player of the Year'. She was selected by head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa. The club said that in her rookie season, Fisher stood out for her stellar performances and leadership on and off the field. Other awards included Frank Lomani claiming the 'Personal Development Award', which is awarded to the player who has made substantial gains on their life after rugby plans. "The winner is selected in consultation with the Pacific Rugby Players, the body representing professional rugby players in Fiji and the Pacific," the club said. "Frank Lomani has demonstrated remarkable initiative and productivity through his Life After Rugby (LAR) plans. Following his participation in the Start Your Own Business course, Frank took confident steps to bring his vision to life-establishing his own transportation company, Masada Riders. "His business continues to grow, and he has plans in the pipeline of expanding into other ventures, all while diversifying his portfolio." Utility player Tuidraki Samusamuvodre received the 'Community Champion- Men' award for his involvement with community and sponsorship activities. Josivini Naihamu was awarded the 'Women's Rookie of the Year' award, while Ponipate Loganimasi received the 'Men's Rookie of the Year'. The two both made their debuts for the Drua in the 2025 season and impressed with their performances. Zuriel Togiatama was awarded the 'Dausoko Award' for consistently modelling the Club's values of relentlessness, discipline, and integrity. Both the Drua and Moana Pasifika will be in action again on Saturday in the final round of the Super Rugby Pacific competition. The Drua meeting the Reds in Brisbane, while Moana Pasifika will take on the Hurricanes in Wellington.
