Australia's Super W will expand into the Pacific with the addition of the Fijiana Drua, alongside their men's side this year.
Like their male counterparts, the Fijiana Drua will be based in Australia this season, joining the Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Melbourne Rebels and Western Force.
The new six-team tournament is set to launch early next month, with all 30 members of the Fijiana squad from the island itself in a "historic" moment for the country according to Fiji Rugby boss John Masi O'Connor.
Their addition is supported by the Australian government's PacificAus Sports program and be a boost for Fiji's Test side before the World Cup in New Zealand, which kicks off in October.
"The competition is stepping into its next stage of its evolution and it's great to have Fijiana not only representing women's rugby in Fiji but women's rugby in the Pacific when they step out onto the field in round one," Fiji Rugby general manager Simon Raiwului said.
"Our aim is to give as many opportunities to Fijian based talent as we can, and this announcement certainly comes as another step in that direction."
