Former Wales Women’s rugby coach Ioan Cunningham has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Vodafone Fijiana XV. He is set to guide the team as they prepare for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England this August, marking a new chapter for the Fijiana as they aim for success on the international stage.
Cunningham comes with a wealth of coaching experience, previously leading the Welsh team to notable achievements including a third-place finish in the Six Nations and a rise to sixth in the world rankings. Fiji Rugby Women’s High Performance Manager Alana Thomas praised Cunningham’s professionalism and leadership, expressing confidence in his ability to unlock the squad’s talent in this crucial year leading up to the World Cup.
“His expertise and experience at the international level make him the ideal leader as we prepare for the Rugby World Cup,” remarked Fiji Rugby Chief Executive Rovereto Nayacalevu. Cunningham himself has expressed excitement about this new opportunity, highlighting the potential of the Fijiana squad and the importance of the upcoming year in women’s rugby.
This appointment comes following a tough period for the Fijiana team, which recently finished fourth in the WXV 3 tournament. The team has been working towards strengthening its position, aiming to build a competitive squad ahead of their challenging pool matches against Canada, Scotland, and Wales in the World Cup.
Cunningham’s previous tenure with the Wales team involved transforming the squad from an amateur to a professional setup while achieving historic milestones, including their first-ever victory over Australia. His leadership is seen as a significant asset that could help the Fijiana harness their full potential as they look forward to making a mark at the World Cup.
As the Vodafone Fijiana XV moves forward, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the team under Cunningham’s guidance. The combination of his coaching background and the burgeoning talent in Fiji’s women’s rugby promises an exciting future for the Fijiana XV as they aim to make their mark in upcoming competitions.
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