From Village Dreamer to Rugby Trailblazer: Alfreda Fisher’s Inspiring Rise with the Fijian Drua

Alfreda Fisher, a 20-year-old from the village of Togo, Qamea, in Taveuni, is embracing her first season as a professional rugby player with the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s team. Playing as a lock and loose forward, Fisher’s rise to professional rugby marks a pivotal chapter in her journey.

Her love for the sport began during her school days at Bucalevu Secondary School, where she was inspired by senior players like Raijieli Daveua, a star in Fiji’s sevens rugby. Today, Fisher shares the field with her childhood idol, a surreal experience that has shaped her outlook on rugby. “Even though she’s older, she always looks after the girls. I’ve learned so much from her,” Fisher shared.

Transitioning from domestic rugby with Suva Rugby Union to the professional environment of the Fijian Drua has been transformative for Fisher. She noted the stark contrast between the setups, highlighting the specialized coaching team and structured training. “In domestic rugby, we only had one coach handling everything. Here, there’s a forward coach, a backline coach, and others. The training environment is completely different,” she explained.

Fisher’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Growing up in Togo, her family made sacrifices to relocate to Suva to support her ambitions. Additionally, she faced initial resistance from her father, who disapproved of her playing rugby. However, her perseverance paid off. “My dad didn’t like me playing rugby—only my mum supported me. But now, he’s proud of me,” she reflected.

With her determination unwavering, Fisher aims to secure her spot in the team’s opening game and leave a lasting impact on the squad this season.