The Vodafone Fijiana XV team is currently without a coach, just 11 months ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup scheduled to take place in England from August 22 to September 27 next year. This situation arose following head coach Mosese Rauluni’s resignation last Wednesday, as his contract with Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) came to an end after their final WXV 3 match against Spain, where Fiji suffered a narrow loss of 8-10.
Fijiana concluded the WXV 3 competition in fourth place. Former head coach Inoke Male has yet to decide whether he will apply for the coaching role when it becomes available, while colleague Senirusi Seruvakula has stated he will not pursue the position. Male commented, “I will decide when the time comes,” and reflected on the team’s performance, suggesting that misunderstandings between players and management played a role in their outcomes.
Male acknowledged the contributions made by Australian-born Qarani Gau, particularly to the Fijiana team. Like Rauluni, Male had entered a three-year contract last year to lead the national women’s team through to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England next year. However, after just ten months in his role, he was advised to re-apply and chose not to.
Rauluni held his position for nine months before resigning, a decision influenced by the Fijiana team’s recent performance, which was not aligned with the high standards he expected. He has opted to return to Australia to be with his family. During his tenure, the Fijiana team secured a place in the 2025 Rugby World Cup by winning the 2024 Oceania Championship. Additionally, he guided the Fijian Drua women’s team to their third consecutive final, although they were unable to defend their Super W title.
Under the captaincy of Karalaini Naisewa, the Fijiana team achieved only one win during the WXV 3 tournament, concluding their 2024 season. The match against Spain was intensely competitive, with both teams eager for victory. Fiji drew first blood when fullback Luisa Tisolo successfully kicked a penalty in the 20th minute, giving them a 3-0 lead. However, this advantage was quickly lost due to disciplinary errors, allowing Spain to score a converted try following a yellow card issued to Aviame Veidreyaki.
In the 76th minute, Spain increased their lead to 10-3 with a penalty kick. Although robust center Adita Milinia scored an unconverted try just before full-time, closing the score to 10-8, Tisolo’s conversion attempt to tie the match faltered, allowing celebrations from the Spanish team. Samoa secured their spot in the World Cup, their first since 2014, after defeating Madagascar 46-15. Meanwhile, the Netherlands ended their inaugural tournament positively, achieving a 33-3 victory against Hong Kong China.