Manuqalo Komaitai: From guarding Buckingham Palace to packing down in the PWR

Manuqalo ‘Koms’ Komaitai is used to sporting iconic uniform – whether it be the quarters of Harlequins or the famous dress of the Irish Guards.

The Fijiana international has previously served in the public duty company of one of the regiments responsible for standing guard outside Buckingham Palace in their scarlet tunics and big bearskin hats.

And it was the army that brought the 29-year-old to the UK, as she only picked up rugby in 2021.

“With the Irish Guards first battalion, I used to be in one of the two public duty companies, who are the ones that do the guards at Buckingham Palace,” Komaitai said.

“I used to do that, but now I am under the headquarters company, so I am in the signals battalion at the moment, where I am learning some signals stuff and playing rugby.

“I did the coronation as well, the Trooping of the Colour. It is a very proud moment for me whenever I put on the red tunic and the big hat.

“To be able to do that in front of the public, it is a really big thing for me; it is something I will always have, I love doing that.”

Komaitai joined Quins just before the start of the 2025/26 season, having been part of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, scoring a try against Scotland. 

It was a remarkable rise for a back rower who only took up rugby four years before, despite having a family connection to the sport, with her sister Alisi a former Fijiana. 

The Bau Island native said: “I came to the UK in 2019 to join the British Army. Before then I had never played rugby in my entire life, I only played netball, which I played from a very young age, through high school and to uni.  

“But when I moved to the UK, my brother told me to try out rugby and give it a go, it was something to keep me busy and to give me something to do on the weekend.  

“I joined London Irish, and from there I went for my first training session, and I started to get into rugby. I loved it, it is something that makes me happy, so I never stopped doing it. 

“Both my sisters play rugby, so it was just me, I was not into rugby at that time. One of them has managed to be in the Fiji team.  

“When she found out I was playing rugby and was really enjoying it, she didn’t believe me! It was only when I went back home last year to play rugby for Fiji, and she got to see me play, that she believes that I play.” 

Komaitai has credited rugby with helping her to avoid feelings of homesickness, with her return last year to trial for the international team only the third time she has been home since moving to England. 

British Army Sport supported her international ambitions and recognised her as Sportswoman of the Year at the Army Sports Awards last year. 

Now, she is making even more history as the first Fijiana to play in the PWR, making her debut off the bench against Gloucester-Hartpury. 

“Like every other islander, I am so proud to have that name, bringing my home, bringing Fiji to the PWR,” she said. 

“I don’t know how to say it; the feeling is just overwhelming. Most of the girls back at home want one day to play here. 

“It is a very good opportunity for me to play in the PWR, in the toughest league in women’s rugby is surreal. 

“But it is scary at the same time, as I am in a new environment and a new league. I am so happy that I have been given the opportunity, Harlequins is a really good club.  

“I’ve been learning from the girls, they are so good, and everyone is so strong, so it is a really good experience, and it is an environment I really want to be in and to experience things with them.”