Ifereimi Rawaqa has been named the Interim Head Coach for the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women as they prepare for the 2025 Buildcorp Super Rugby Women season. Rawaqa, who serves as the Men’s Skills and Development Coach for the Fijian Drua, takes over from Mosese Rauluni, who stepped down from his dual role as Head Coach for the Fijian Drua Women and Vodafone Fijiana 15s after the recent WXV competition in Dubai.
The decision was announced by the Fijian Drua and the Fiji Rugby Union. Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans expressed gratitude for Rawaqa’s acceptance of the interim position, emphasizing his respect in the coaching community and commitment to rugby in Fiji. Evans noted that this interim role allows sufficient time for a thorough recruitment process for a permanent head coach.
Rawaqa expressed his honor at taking the helm of the Drua Women and acknowledged the season’s importance as part of Fiji’s preparation for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. He stated that one of his initial objectives is to collaborate with the assistant coaches and the Fiji Rugby Union’s High-Performance Unit to strengthen the squad’s depth.
The Drua Women have a notable history in Super Rugby Women, having secured two championships in three years and reaching three consecutive grand finals. Rawaqa intends to commence pre-season training earlier this year and is eager to work with the players and staff.
As a former Flying Fijians lock, Rawaqa boasts 44 Test appearances and participated in two Rugby World Cup tournaments in 2003 and 2007. He was also part of the victorious 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens team. With World Rugby Level 3 coaching accreditation, Rawaqa began his coaching career in 2013 and has held various roles, including Forwards Coach for the Fiji Warriors and Head Coach of the Fiji U20 team at the Oceania competition and U20 World Rugby Championship in South Africa in 2023.
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