Ifereimi Rawaqa has been named the interim head coach for the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women as they prepare for the 2025 Super Rugby Women campaign. Rawaqa, who serves as the men’s skills and development coach for the Fijian Drua, is stepping in for Mosese Rauluni, who recently resigned from the combined role of head coach for the Fijian Drua women and Vodafone Fijiana XVs after the WXV competition in Dubai.
Mark Evans, the chief executive officer of Fijian Drua, expressed gratitude for Rawaqa’s willingness to take on the interim position at such a crucial time leading up to the 2025 Super W’s campaign. He highlighted Rawaqa’s reputation as one of the most respected coaches in Fiji and the region, assuring that the women’s team will be well supported during the season.
Rawaqa himself stated that it is an honor to lead the Fijian Drua women in the upcoming Super W season, emphasizing the importance of this season as it lays the groundwork for Fiji’s preparation for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. He aims to enhance the depth of the squad by collaborating closely with the assistant coaches and the FRU high-performance unit.
The Fijian Drua women have a strong track record in Super W, having won the championship twice in three years and reaching three consecutive grand finals. Rawaqa indicated that pre-season preparations would begin earlier this year, and he is eager to work with both players and staff.
Rawaqa is a seasoned coach with extensive experience, having previously led recruitment for the Drua and managed the development pathway for players within the club. He played a crucial role in establishing the upcoming Drua Academy for schoolboys aged 17–18 and participated in selecting its inaugural cohort of players.
With a notable playing career as a Flying Fijian, Rawaqa has appeared in 44 Test matches and competed in two Rugby World Cups in 2003 and 2007, as well as being part of the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens winning team. He holds a World Rugby Level 3 coaching accreditation and began his coaching career in 2013. He has held various coaching roles, including working with the Fiji U20 team in 2023 during their Oceania competition and U20 World Rugby Championship in South Africa, where they performed impressively.
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