Harlequins have announced the signing of Fiji international back row Manuqalo Komaitai ahead of the 2025-26 Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season. This exciting addition comes after Komaitai showcased her talents on the international stage, with three appearances for Fiji during the recent Women’s World Cup, including a notable try against Scotland.
Regularly playing as a number eight, Komaitai also balances her sports career with her role in the British Army, serving in the Irish Guards. Her athletic journey has been remarkable, having transitioned from a background primarily in netball to rugby, a shift that began after joining the London Irish Emeralds and further developed through her time with the York Valkyrie, where she helped secure the 2024 Women’s Super League title.
Expressing her enthusiasm about joining Harlequins, Komaitai stated, “I really feel like this is an environment that I can flourish in. This feels like a place where I can really develop my game and I’m excited to get going.” Her excitement reflects the growing support for women’s rugby and the opportunities available for female athletes, not just in Fiji but around the world.
Komaitai’s signing adds to the narrative of increasing visibility and opportunity for women in rugby, echoing her own journey and the stories of other players like Silika Rinieta Qalo and Salanieta Nabuli, who transitioned from netball and other sports into rugby, highlighting the rich potential within the sport.
Harlequins are set to kick off their PWR campaign with a home match against Loughborough Lightning at Twickenham Stoop on Friday, marking the beginning of a new chapter not only for the club but also for Komaitai as she embarks on this thrilling phase of her career. The inclusion of talented athletes like Komaitai symbolizes hope and progress for women in rugby, helping to pave the way for future generations to thrive in the sport.