Fijiana stun Spain with three tries in 13 minutes to make history at WXV Global Series Challenger

Fiji’s women made history at the WXV Global Series Challenger, defeating Spain 38-32 in a dramatic comeback that saw the Fijiana score three tries in the final 13 minutes after trailing for most of the contest. Tries from Rokowati Nabura, Salote Nailolo and Repeka Adi Tove completed the turnaround against Las Leonas — a side Fiji had never previously beaten.

Harlequins centre Manuqalo Komaitai, introduced from the bench at a critical moment, described the scale of the achievement. “It feels good, as we made history for our country by beating Spain for the first time,” she said. “I am so proud of the team and the girls for putting in the work and the fight to get this result.”

No.8 Alfreda Fisher echoed that pride and pointed to the collective resolve that carried Fiji through. “I feel really proud of what we have accomplished in our first week here, and how we fought until the final whistle,” she said. Fisher also highlighted the rapid development of the squad over recent months. “We have so much potential, and I hope we can show it to everyone. We can still grow much more, but the team has done great over the past three or four months.”

For Fisher, the defining moment of the match was Repeka Tove’s match-sealing try. “It sealed the deal for us in a moment when there was still some uncertainty about who was going to come out on top,” she said.

Komaitai believes the result is the start of something significant for a programme with its sights set on qualifying for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. “The team has grown so much over the past couple of months. I believe we can go even higher, and the future is promising for us.”

Fiji’s next fixture in the tournament is against Hong Kong China, who arrive in confident form after their own victory over Brazil. The hosts will have the added advantage of a home crowd, a factor both Fisher and Komaitai are preparing for. “I am expecting a very physical and high-intensity game, as Hong Kong China will get to play in front of their fans who will energise and motivate them,” said Fisher. “I am looking forward to it.”

Komaitai is similarly focused. “It is going to be a promising contest, as they are playing on their home turf and they will come at us with a lot of energy.” The Fijiana lineup for that match had not yet been announced at the time of writing.