Fiji’s Fijiana XV eyes tactical discipline as World Cup looms, says Ioan Cunningham
Fiji’s head coach Ioan Cunningham, who is in his third month in charge, has pinpointed tactical awareness as the critical ingredient to lift the Fijiana’s performance ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. While praising the squad’s natural skill and passion, he says structure and smarter decision-making under pressure will be essential to compete with the world’s best.
Cunningham has been working closely with the team’s playmakers to sharpen decision-making in high-pressure moments and to ensure players understand where to operate on the field. He emphasises the importance of the team’s spine—comprising the nines, tens, hookers, line-out caller, and fullback—in controlling momentum swings and steering games through tense phases.
The coach has stressed that Fiji must seize opportunities when they arise and stay composed during pressure if they are to make a meaningful impact at the tournament. The Vodafone Fijiana will begin their World Cup campaign against Canada on the 24th of this month.
Context behind the build-up shows a wide pool of talent is being harnessed. Cunningham has overseen a training group that peaked at around 38–39 players, with plans to trim to 32 by early August. The ongoing USA tour and a series of scrimmages have been used to test combinations, build cohesion, and advance tactical execution ahead of England’s World Cup window. The integration of players from Fiji’s sevens program has also added depth and experience to the squad, contributing to a positive trajectory for women’s rugby in Fiji.
Fans and observers can expect a balanced approach from Fiji: maintain their flair and pace while tightening game management, especially in set pieces and territory battles. In Pool B, Fiji will face Canada, Scotland, and Wales, presenting a stern test that Cunningham believes can spark further growth and inspire a new generation of female rugby players in the country.
Additional value and context for readers
– Talent depth and competition: The growing pool of players, including sevens athletes, is helping to raise standards and create healthy selection pressure as Fiji prepares for the World Cup.
– Structure meeting flair: The aim is to blend Fiji’s natural attacking instincts with clearer structures and smarter kicking to stretch opponents and control tempo.
– Momentum and leadership: Emphasising the spine’s role in game management could be decisive in tight pool matches where momentum shifts are frequent.
– Broader impact: Beyond the World Cup, the ongoing development of the Fijiana squad signals a broader push to grow women’s rugby in Fiji and the Pacific, with potential benefits for grassroots participation and future generations.
Summary
Ioan Cunningham is guiding Fiji toward a potent mix of flair and discipline, focusing on tactical awareness, pressure handling, and momentum control as they prepare for the World Cup. A large training group has been pruned to 32, and sevens players are contributing to added depth. With a challenging Pool B lineup including Canada, Scotland, and Wales, the Fijiana’s preparations aim to deliver compelling rugby and a positive, inspirational impact for Fiji’s women’s rugby movement.
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