Delaiwau ruled out of Rugby World Cup 2025, Repeka Mata called up to bolster Fijiana backline
Fiji’s Vodafone Fijiana have been dealt a fresh setback at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, with Ilisapeci Delaiwau ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a hand injury suffered in the opening match against Canada. The injury forced Delaiwau off in the first half, prompting Fiji Rugby to confirm that she will return home to begin rehabilitation.
In better news for Fiji, Repeka Mata is set to join the squad in England in the coming days to step into the backline and provide additional pace and experience as the team presses on with the campaign. Head coach Ioan Cunningham admitted it was a tough moment to lose a player of Delaiwau’s quality but stressed that Mata’s arrival will help the group maintain momentum and continuity.
Delaiwau spoke about her disappointment but voiced support for her teammates, saying she will be “Fijiana’s number one supporter” as she works through rehabilitation. Her commitment underscores the team’s resilience and the culture of backing injured colleagues within Fiji rugby.
The Fijiana return to action in their next match against Scotland, scheduled for Sunday at 1.45am local time. Fiji have been competing in a challenging Pool B, which also includes Canada and Wales, a group that tests their depth and demands both discipline and adaptability as they push through the World Cup.
Context and outlook:
– Delaiwau’s injury tests Fiji’s depth, but Mata’s arrival provides another backline option and an opportunity to integrate a player with both 7s experience and 15s credentials.
– The squad’s balance of sevens stars and seasoned 15s players aims to sustain Fiji’s high-tempo style while tightening possession and defense against top-tier opposition.
– Fiji’s longer-term aim remains clear: build on their World Cup campaign with cohesion and resilience, continuing to inspire a new generation of female rugby players in Fiji.
In brief, the setback of losing Delaiwau is tempered by the strategic addition of Mata and the team’s readiness to rally around the challenge, aiming for a strong finish in England and a continued demonstration of Fiji’s depth and spirit.
Summary: Ilisapeci Delaiwau’s hand injury sidelines her for the World Cup remainder, with Repeka Mata set to join the squad to bolster backline depth. Fiji’s next match is against Scotland in Pool B, a fixture that will test their adaptability and collective resolve as they pursue a successful tournament run. Positive momentum and depth give the team reasons for cautious optimism as they move forward.
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