• Baby Pearls squad to be finalised next month
  2025-06-16
• 8O swimmers to represent Fiji at Aussie nationals
  2025-06-16
• Broncos dedicate win to supporters
  2025-06-16
• One game at a time for Lami U17
  2025-06-16

Salote Nailolo is hoping to secure a spot in the Vodafone Fijiana XVs side to the women’s Rugby World Cup in England in August.

The Nakorolevu, Namara, Tailevu lass who turns 19 today only started playing club rugby this year.

Three months later she was part of the women’s high performance unit followed by the Fijiana extended squad.

The former Ballantine Memorial School student plays for the Sinukakala Amazons; she shares maternal links to Nabena, Matailobau, Naitasiri.

Nailolo earned her seat in the squad following an impressive performance during the women’s rugby franchise tournament Na Soko.

The fly-half did not expect she would be named this early on the national side and she can only thank God for his provisions.

She debuted off the bench against Tonga on June 6 at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. She is also named on the bench in Saturday’s clash against Manusina Samoa.

“I was quite nervous when I marched into camp, I don’t talk much,” she said.

“I’m glad that senior players encourage me to speak during our training since I’m a fly half so I’ve started to come out of my comfort zone. Rugby has changed that for me.”

Nailolo’s dad, Apete Bulicokocoko, has been her greatest motivation to play rugby. He encourages her set her goals, vision and mission.

“My parents are supportive of my rugby journey. My dad would always give my fare to training if I wake up before he leaves for work. If I miss him in the morning then I’d have to find my way to train.

“They always encourage me to persevere. My younger brother Ilaisa is my biggest supporter, he is present at every match I play whether it’s Lautoka or Suva. I hope that I am inspiring him.

“I’m glad all those hard work have paid off in just a few months of training. It takes a lot of discipline.”

The eldest of two added she will continue to work on her fitness when they break for camp following the Oceania Championship.

“I want to play in the World Cup. I know there are other players who also want to compete for the same spot, I want to maintain my fitness level during the break and not start from zero when we march into camp again.”

Nailolo also played rugby league during her senior years of high school at Naitasiri Secondary School; she was also named in the Bulikula extended squad last year.

Feedback: [email protected]

Related Articles

• Baby Pearls squad to be finalised next month
  16 Jun 2025
• 8O swimmers to represent Fiji at Aussie nationals
  16 Jun 2025
• Broncos dedicate win to supporters
  16 Jun 2025
• One game at a time for Lami U17
  16 Jun 2025
• Komaitai’s Biggest Sacrifice
  13 Jun 2025