Celebrating the Women of Sunnybank Rugby on International Women’s Day
SEQ Women’s Grade Final 2nd Grade (2024)
Celebrating the Women of Sunnybank Rugby on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and dedication of women across all walks of life. At Sunnybank Rugby, we are proud to recognise the incredible women in our community who continue to push boundaries, inspire future generations, and play a pivotal role in accelerating action in club rugby as they lead by example.
Rising Stars & Established Champions
Ana Afuie (Western Force Super W, Manusina XVs)
Ana’s journey is a testament to perseverance. After being named QPR Women’s Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, she narrowly missed out on an opportunity with the Reds. But setbacks only fueled her fire. Now, she’s secured a contract with the Western Force for 2025 and will also represent the Manusina XVs at the upcoming Rugby World Cup. A true example of resilience and hard work paying off!
Manaia Afuie (Manusina 7’s)
A fresh face to the Premier Women’s competition in 2024, Manaia has already made her mark. Currently competing overseas with Manusina 7’s in the Challenger Series, she’s determined to help her team secure a place in the prestigious HSBC Series. The sky’s the limit for this young talent!
Ivania Wong (Reds Super W Co-Captain)
Leadership is earned through action, and Ivania has proven herself both on and off the field. This year, she takes on the responsibility of co-captain for the Reds Super W squad, leading with passion, grit, and an unwavering commitment to the game.
Renae Nona (Reds Super W)
Renae continues to thrive at the highest level, representing the Reds with skill and determination. Her journey showcases the pathway from club rugby to the professional stage.
Sky-Yvette Faimalie (Reds Super W)
After making her Premier Women’s debut in 2024, Sky-Yvette quickly established herself as a dominant force. Her standout performances earned her a Reds Super W contract for 2025, proving that hard work and talent do not go unnoticed.
Jiowana Sauto (Reds Super W)
Jiowana is another shining example of dedication and excellence in the game, continuing to make an impact at the Super W level.
Ivania Wong
The Unsung Heroes Behind the Scenes
Rugby isn’t just about the players on the field—it’s about the support system that makes it all possible. These incredible women work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of our teams.
Melisa Tuiavii (Premier Women Manager)
Melisa is the backbone of the Premier Women’s program. Whether it’s making sure players stay hydrated, managing logistics, or even personally preparing meals for players and staff during a two-day internal camp, she goes above and beyond to support the team.
Tish Byram (2nd Grade Women Manager)
Juggling two jobs while managing a team might seem impossible to some, but not for Tish. Her commitment extends beyond her role, as she also conducts welfare checks on players, assists at training and game days, and even helps fundraise for the U13 Fiji Tour. Her impact is truly invaluable.
Kiri Barker (Women’s Assistant Coach)
New to coaching but no stranger to high-performance rugby, Kiri has seamlessly transitioned into her role. Her experience from professional setups has been a fantastic addition to the Sunnybank coaching team. And while she’s making an impact on the field, she’s also preparing for an exciting personal milestone—becoming a mother mid-year with partner Tyrell, who coaches in the Premier Men’s program.
Celebrating Strength, Dedication, and Community
At Sunnybank Rugby, we are privileged to have such an incredible group of women shaping the future of the game. Their achievements—whether on the field, in leadership roles, or behind the scenes—are a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and community spirit.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise not just their success but the path they are paving for future generations. They are more than players, coaches, and managers—they are leaders, role models, and inspirations to all.
Here’s to the strong women of Sunnybank Rugby—may we celebrate them today and every day!
Tish Byram (left), Renae Nona (middle) and Kiri Barker (right)
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