The search for a head coach for the Vodafone Fijiana XV and Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women’s rugby teams has commenced. This announcement came from Mark Evans, the chief executive officer of Fijian Drua. The head coach, Mosese Rauluni, recently stepped down following unsatisfactory results for the Fijiana XV at the WXV3 tournament in Dubai, where they suffered defeats against Samoa and Spain.
Evans noted that since the position is jointly funded, Rauluni’s resignation from the national team also affects his role with the Drua. The organization is currently collaborating with the Fiji Rugby Union to identify a suitable replacement. In previous discussions, former Fijiana XV head coach Senirusi Seruvakula expressed that he is not interested in the role, while Inoke Male has yet to make a decision.
Kele Leawere, who has served as Rauluni’s assistant, is a potential candidate for the head coach position due to his existing rapport with the players.
In related news, the Fijiana XVs have been placed in a challenging pool for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England next year. They will compete in Pool B against Canada, Scotland, and Wales. During a recent Test match at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, the Fijiana XVs faced a heavy defeat, losing 59-15 to Scotland.
The reigning champions, New Zealand, are situated in Pool C along with Ireland, Japan, and South Africa. England, the host nation, is in Pool A with Australia, the USA, and Samoa. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place from August 22 to September 27.
The confirmed pools for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 are as follows:
Pool A: England, Australia, USA, Samoa
Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji
Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain
Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil.