Loan Cunningham, who recently resigned from his position as head coach of the Wales women’s rugby team, is poised to assume the role of head coach for the Vodafone Fijiana XVs. His appointment was confirmed after he was seen at the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) headquarters on Monday, where he was introduced to the staff alongside Alana Thomas, the High-Performance Women’s manager.
Cunningham stepped down from his Welsh coaching role following a difficult year, with the team achieving only four victories in 11 Tests in 2024. His resignation was mutually agreed upon after three years of significant achievements, including transitioning the Welsh women’s team from an amateur to a professional setup. This transformation included leading Wales to their first-ever victory over Australia and securing third place in the Six Nations, alongside a commendable run to the quarter-finals in the World Cup.
Despite the tough season leading to his departure, Cunningham expressed pride in the strides the team made during his tenure.
In his new role with the Fijiana XVs, Cunningham is also expected to become head coach of the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women’s team starting next year. His primary focus will be preparing the Fijiana XVs for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to take place from August 22 to September 27 in England. The team is set to compete against Canada, Scotland, and Wales in Pool B.
Cunningham’s extensive coaching experience, which includes his tenure with the Wales Under-20 team and various clubs like the Scarlets, positions him as a promising leader for the Fijiana XVs. His appointment heralds an optimistic new phase for the team as they aim to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage. With Cunningham at the helm, there is hope that the Fijiana XVs will unlock their full potential and deliver a strong performance in the upcoming World Cup.
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