The Suva Rugby Union women’s side is looking to kick off its 2026 Subrails Marama Championship campaign on a strong note when it meets Ba in the opening round tomorrow.

Head coach Meli Tuifagalele said the team has put together solid preparations despite facing challenges in getting players released from work commitments for training sessions.

He said those setbacks have not affected the squad’s determination, with the players remaining committed ahead of their first match of the season.

Tuifagalele revealed that the coaching staff has spent the pre-season addressing weaknesses identified from last year’s campaign, placing a strong focus on improving the team’s core skills.

He said the squad has returned to the basics in an effort to correct areas that fell short last season and build a stronger foundation moving forward.

Suva will also field a youthful lineup this year, with several emerging players earning selection after progressing through the union’s development programme.

According to Tuifagalele, the inclusion of these players reflects the coaching team’s ongoing investment in developing local talent and highlights the progress made within the pathway system.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s clash, he expects a tough challenge from Ba, describing the western side as a respected rugby province capable of producing a strong performance.

He believes the contest will largely be decided in the forward pack, particularly during the set-piece battle.

While competition points are important, Tuifagalele said the opening fixture is equally significant in establishing the standards and direction the team hopes to maintain throughout the season.

He added the match will also provide an opportunity to assess how the new players perform and measure the effectiveness of the systems introduced during the rebuilding process.

Suva will be aiming to begin the season with a positive result while testing the progress of its next generation against one of the competition’s established teams.