Vodafone Fijiana representative Manuqalo Komaitai is set to make her debut for Harlequins Women, while her teammate Lagi Tuima is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone—her 100th appearance—as the club faces off against Gloucester-Hartpury in Round three of the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition on Monday.
Head Coach Ross Chisholm has announced three changes to the starting lineup as the Quins aim to bounce back from a recent defeat against Saracens. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u will make her first start in the back row after an impressive substitute appearance in Round two. Additionally, Kayleigh Powell will be taking her first turn this season at fly-half, partnering with Lucy Packer at half-back.
The backline will see Coreen Grant making her club debut on the right wing, joining a dynamic trio that includes Beth Wilcock and Ellie Kildunne. Furthermore, skipper Jade Konkel will shift to the second row to team up with Fi McIntosh, strengthening the forward pack.
Chisholm expressed the importance of a strong response to their previous performance, emphasizing the team’s commitment to learning from past mistakes. “It’s about how we respond this week. It’s important we learn the lessons from the weekend. Gloucester are a very good side, but we really want to put in a strong showing in front of our home fans,” he stated.
As the Harlequins prepare for the matchup at The Stoop, the team is eager to secure their second victory of the season, promising fans an exciting display of competitive spirit that defines Premiership Women’s Rugby. With fresh talent like Komaitai joining the ranks, there is a renewed sense of optimism ahead.
This upcoming match represents not only a milestone for Tuima but also highlights the evolving landscape of women’s rugby, showcasing the emergence of new talent making their mark in the sport. The excitement surrounding this game underscores the increasing support for women’s rugby in Fiji and beyond, signifying a hopeful chapter for both the team and the sport overall.