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Taking leave to chase her rugby dream has been Manuqalo Noame Komaitai’s biggest life sacrifice so far.

A soldier in the Irish Guards, Guardsman Komaitai is the first Fijian woman to serve in the elite regiment tasked with guarding Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

The soon to be 29-year-old took up rugby with the British Army after completing her training in 2021 as leisure and a way of keeping fit.

She plays for the London Irish Emerald Club.

Four years later, it landed her on the Vodafone Fijiana XVs squad where she made her debut off the bench against Tonga in the Oceania Championship on June 6.

This Saturday the Bau, Tailevu lass will start at number 8 against Manusina Samoa at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

She is grateful to the British Army for their support allowing her to join the Fijiana camp as she eyes a spot at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England in August.

Komaitai sent her expression of interest which was well received by head coach loan Cunningham after watching the clips of her matches.

“My plan was to pay for my own flight here and when the Army heard about it and they were like – we’ll do that for you. We’ll pay for your flight home and back to the UK,” she said.

“I’m so blessed to be part of the British Army – the support is like really big.”

From only playing netball during her high school days at Suva Grammar School and Lelean Memorial School, Komaitai now plays for the both the Army 7s, 15s and rugby league.

It was something that kept her busy and not being homesick.

“My dream was always to play for the Fiji team. Seeing the girls on TV and on social media I told myself that one day I want to wear the white jersey. But I just don’t know what route to take and how to get here and everything.

“When I started playing rugby everything was just new. I didn’t know more on the rules and everything and fast forward to 2025 here l am.

“My goal is to get as fit as I can be so I can get selected to the World Cup; just to stay on top of everything with my discipline, my attitude and everything towards training.”

Komaitai also plays flanker but prefers the number eight jersey however she understands that it would not be a walk in the park if she wants to secure her position with seasoned players including Rusila Nagasau in the squad.

“It is very competitive and challenging,” she said.

“When I was back in I look up to her (Nagasau) because I always see her on TV. Never in my life, I’d thought to be playing next to her.

She’s a very good player – her leadership skill is really good.

“I ask her a lot of questions on the things I need to work on, because I know she’s one of the most experienced players.”

Komaitai added that having a good support system is crucial including sending well wishes messages in via social media.

“All those little things, like it matters,” she said.

She advises young girls who’s like to play rugby to work and train hard and set goals.

“Just do the right small things right even when no one is looking and then it’ll take you to wherever you want to be in,” Komaitai added. Komaitai is the younger sister of former Fijiana winger and Fijiana Drua manageress Alisi Komaitai.

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