The Western Force have landed a major coup with the signing of four-time Super Rugby Women’s winner and Wallaroos lock Sera Naiqama from the NSW Waratahs.

The 29-year-old was part of Wallaroos’ squad at the last Women’s Rugby World Cup played in 2022, appearing in three out of the side’s four games and is aiming to be part of the side at next year’s event to be hosted by Australia.

The 183cm lock, who has Fijian heritage, has 13 Wallaroos caps to her name, having debuted for Australia against Japan in May 2022.

Naiqama has spent the past six Super W seasons with the NSW Waratahs, making 26 appearances and scoring two tries – including one on her debut against the ACT Brumbies in 2019.

The Wallaroo helped the Waratahs to four Super W titles (2019, 2020, 2021, 2024), including playing in this year’s Grand Final which they won 50-14 over the Fijian Drua.

Over the past month, Naiqama was part of the Sydney University side that won the NSW Jack Scott Cup premiership, played for the Barbarians in Cape Town, before she played for Australia A against Samoa a fortnight ago.

Naiqama said she was excited to sign with the Force, who made the Super W finals for the first time in 2024, with a view to helping the side continue their evolution and achieving her own dreams of playing at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the Western Force,” Naiqama said. “Last year they were real dark horses and showed they’re building something, so the prospect of coming over to Perth was hugely exciting.

“I’m pumped for a new challenge, a new environment and to join a team that is really moving in the right direction. The Club are pioneering the women’s game, throwing a lot of resources behind the women’s program. I think they’re unmatched in that area in Super W and that was a huge pull for me.

“There’s a lot of personal motivation for me behind the move to Perth. I’m really keen to be in a new environment and pursue my World Cup dreams.

“I’ve obviously been to a World Cup before but going to two would be the absolute pinnacle. When I look at environments and who I can think can best help get me there, I think the Western Force is the place for me.”

Naiqama, who knows Force players Trilleen Pomare, Michaela Leonard and Tamika Jones well from her time with the Wallaroos, was optimistic she could bring plenty to her new side given her experience of success with the Tahs.

“I definitely think my leadership will be one thing I can contribute on field,” she said. “I’ve been very fortunate to be part of the Waratahs who’ve been a very successful franchise and won a few premierships there.

“Bringing that mentality and that intensity to training and preparation will help the girls I’m around and vice versa, I feel I can learn off them. Off field, I’m really big on family and unity so that togetherness is always something I’ll drive in any environment.”

Force women’s head coach Dylan Parsons said Naiqama, would make a positive influence culturally around the team given her nature and experience, plus add plenty on-field given her World Cup motivation.

“She is a player who everyone respects,” Parsons said. “She’s a really good person and quality rugby player.

“We believe she’s still got a big ceiling in what she can bring. She brings a profile, she brings Wallaroos experience and she brings premiership-winning experience.

“She’s coming from a life of rugby in and around the commentary work she does for media outlets. She has a high rugby IQ and buy-in to all aspects of the game.

“In speaking to her, she wants to leave no stone unturned to make the World Cup. She believes pushing harder for more game time is going to make that happen, so she’s got the motivation to perform for us, which is a perfect fit.

“We’re pretty excited about her as we see huge potential still in her game and we feel this is the right place to untap that.”

Naiqama has signed for the 2025 Super W season and will head to Perth on Sunday to link up with the Force in pre-season ahead of the squad’s Japan tour in October and November.

Sera Naiqama

26/7/1995

183cm

Position: Lock

Born: Sydney

Community Club: Sydney University (NSW)

NSW Waratahs (2019-2024, 26 games, 2 tries)

Wallaroos (2022- , 13 caps)