Vodafone Fijiana XV head into a new week with a clear sense of purpose after their opening defeat to Canada at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The Fiji side is committed to a fresh start, embracing a more structured Northern Hemisphere style of play under the guidance of new head coach Ioan Cunningham, while protecting the unique Fijian flair that has long defined the team.
Cunningham, renowned for his work with the Wales Women’s team, is driving a philosophy that blends Europe-tested structure with Fiji’s free-flowing, expressive game. Lock Jade Coates described the shift as a balancing act rather than a redesign of identity. “The cool thing about rugby is it’s played so differently all around the world. Everyone has their own style in the way they coach or play the game. But we don’t want to change who we are, our authentic selves, and how our flair is our super strength,” she said. The aim, she added, is to fuse a traditional, open style with more strategic elements to harden the team in key moments.
That mindset is being tested in a tough start to the World Cup, with a 65-7 loss to Canada illustrating the gap they’re eager to close. Still, the squad’s cohesion and resilience are evident as they prepare for their next assignment against Scotland, scheduled for 1.45am this Sunday. The early setback has only sharpened the focus on improving rhythm, decision-making, and contest points across the field.
The week’s build-up is informed by more than just one result. In recent warm-ups and matches, Fiji has shown encouraging signs: a competitive 31-24 loss to the USA in a preparatory clash and a confident 34-12 win over Manusina Samoa. Those performances, along with a broader pool of depth—bolstered by players transitioning from Fiji’s sevens program—have reinforced Cunningham’s belief that the squad can grow quickly in both attack and game management.
Beyond the immediate task of beating Scotland, the World Cup landscape pits Fiji in Pool B with Canada, Scotland, and Wales. The Northern Hemisphere influence will be tested against different styles, from Canada’s precision to Wales and Scotland’s structured approaches, and the team is determined to blend that with Fiji’s expansive, high-tempo game. A more clinical red-zone execution, a tightened breakdown, and a more versatile kicking game are all elements Cunningham has signaled as essential to keeping Fiji competitive at the world stage.
The coaching staff is emphasising cohesion and leadership across the squad, with sevens players bringing speed and versatility into the 15s program. The aim is to sustain momentum, improve defensive lines, and ensure forwards and backs operate as a connected unit. This period of growth is also framed as part of a broader push to elevate women’s rugby in Fiji and the Pacific, with promise for grassroots participation and future generations.
For fans, the message from Cunningham and the team is clear: while the road to challenging footballing powerhouses remains demanding, Fiji is carving a path that preserves its distinctive style while adding sharper structure and decision-making under pressure. The Fijiana arrive in Scotland with a plan, a growing squad depth, and a belief that they can compete at the highest level and inspire a new era of women’s rugby in Fiji.
Summary: Ioan Cunningham is guiding Fiji toward a balanced blend of flair and discipline as they head toward the World Cup, prioritising improved ball handling, smarter game management, and a kicking game to diversify their attack. With a growing player pool, sevens integration, and a clear plan to test themselves against elite teams in Pool B, the Fijiana aim to leave a positive mark on the world stage and lift rugby in Fiji to new heights.
Positive takeaway: The Fijiana arrive with momentum, a defined approach, and growing internal competition. If they maintain their attacking spark while tightening discipline under pressure, they have a credible chance to challenge higher-ranked sides and become a source of pride for Fiji and its fans.
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