Rising Rugby Star: Josivini Neihamu

Inspired by her brother who has made a name for himself in Rugby, Josivini Neihamu, is a name to note as she stamps her mark playing for the Namosi Under 20 women’s team in this year’s ANZ Marama Cup.

The 20-year-old from Vagadra, Nadroga, is the younger sister of Jone Naikabula who played wing for Japan in the 2023 Rugby World Cup that was held in France.

Neihamu has shown her potential at mid field with some superb line breaks and crossing the oppositions try-line during the opening round of  the competition.                                                                                                                                                                                        

The former Swami Vivekanada College Under 17 winger, opted to play for Namosi after being encouraged by the late women’s rugby mentor Elenoa Kunatuba to take up rugby as a career pathway after the expansion of women in rugby and the promise of securing professional contracts.

Neihamu says she’s been happy being part of this young Namosi side and looks to grow into the sport through her second season with the team.

She shared: “I encourage young girls to take up the sport as rugby provides opportunities to earn a living while enjoying the sport at the same time.”

The prospect Fijiana backline player was part of the development team for the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team and is currently part the Fiji Rugby elite player pathway with the High Performance Unit (HPU).

This weekend in Round 4, Naihamu will run out onto Churchill Park in Lautoka with her Namosi team that goes up against host Lautoka Under 20 at 9am.