Fijian Drua Captain Addresses Controversy Surrounding ‘Gay Issue’ at Super Rugby Women’s Season Launch

Bitila Tawake, captain of the Fijian Drua, asserts that her team is primed and ready to make an impact in the Super Rugby Women’s competition, despite being overshadowed by a distressing homophobic controversy in their homeland.

This month, Laijipa Naulivou, director of rugby for Fiji Rugby Union and a former captain of the national women’s team, was dismissed from her role just four days after starting.

Naulivou made headline-grabbing comments in an interview with the Fiji Sun, stating that there is a “gay problem” in the country, adding, “those who played with me know that I do not support homosexuality among female rugby players.”

She further expressed, “I openly oppose it, and I’m aware that this stance is not popular among those who engage in it.”

Following those remarks, Naulivou was promptly dismissed from her position.

The Fiji Rugby Union has assured that this incident will not affect the chances, representation, or ongoing development of their women’s team and all players as vital members of Fiji Rugby.

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“The FRU is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering atmosphere for the Fiji Rugby family, irrespective of gender, background, or identity,” they stated.

The Drua’s opening match of the SRW season will be against the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 28 February.

Tawake shared with reporters at the season launch in North Sydney Oval, “I prefer not to comment on that, but the girls are maintaining positive spirits as we head into this week.”

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“We typically keep issues off the field separate from what transpires on it, so everyone is focused on the game ahead.”

Revenge is on the cards after the Drua suffered a 50-14 defeat by the Waratahs in last year’s final, having clinched the title the two years prior.

“It’s a World Cup year, so the competition will be fierce this season.”

The top four teams from the five-week regular season will advance to the semi-finals, culminating in the grand final set to take place at North Sydney Oval on 12 April.

The champions will then travel to New Zealand for a showdown with the winner of Super Rugby Aupiki in the first-ever trans-Tasman match on 17 April.