The Vodafone Fijiana XV will depart for England on Wednesday after unveiling a 32-player squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, named by head coach Ioan Cunningham at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. Fijian Drua Women debutant Alfreda Fisher Maria will captain the side, which blends homegrown Drua talent with standout sevens athletes and several overseas-based players. Ten veterans from the previous World Cup return to add experience and composure.
Cunningham said the team is bracing for the intensity of top-10 opposition and wants to inspire the nation with a style built on speed, power, and a ruthless edge. The selection follows a strong preparation phase that included a 34-12 scrimmage win over Manusina Samoa in Sigatoka, where the staff trialed combinations and fine-tuned roles. Earlier in the campaign, several 7s stars forced their way into contention off the back of impressive form, underscoring Fiji’s depth in women’s rugby.
Fiji has been drawn in a demanding Pool B alongside Canada, Scotland, and Wales. The context is stark but motivating: Fiji enters ranked 14th in the world, while their pool rivals are all in the global top 10—a challenge that aligns with Cunningham’s message about raising tempo, physicality, and consistency. Notably, players such as Rusila Nagasau, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Mere Vocevoce, and Verenaisi Ditavutu bring 7s-honed pace and breakdown agility, while experienced forwards like Karalaini Naisewa, Vika Matarugu, and Asinate Serevi anchor the set piece. Earlier in the year, some players were unavailable for selection, but the final squad confirms important returns—among them second-rower Keleni Marawa—adding heft to the tight five.
Final 32-player squad
– Forwards: Alfreda Fisher Maria (C), Karalaini Naisewa, Vika Matarugu, Bulou Vasuturaga, Keleni Marawa, Tiana Robanakadavu, Bitila Sigani Tawake, Loraini Senivutu, Selai Naliva, Asinate Serevi, Mereoni Nakesa, Rusila Nagasau, Adi Salaseini Railumu, Nunia Daunimoala, Sulita Waisega, Manuqalo Komaitai, Carletta Yee, Jade Coates.
– Backs: Setaita Railumu, Salanieta Kinita, Adi Salote Nailolo, Verenaisi Ditavutu, Mere Vocevoce, Kelerayani Luvu, Litiana Vueti, Kolora Lomani, Josivini Naihamu, Ema Adivitaloga, Alowesi Nakoci, Repeka Tove, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Michella’e Stolz.
What to watch for
– Sevens influence: Expect quick transitions, lethal counter-attack, and backline pace. This can trouble higher-ranked teams if Fiji secures clean ball and wins collisions early.
– Set-piece and territory: Against tier-one packs, scrum and lineout accuracy will be decisive. The staff has previously targeted territory gains and tackle efficiency as key work-ons—benchmarks that can flip pressure and unlock Fiji’s running game.
– Leadership spine: With Fisher Maria at the helm and seasoned operators around the pack and midfield, Fiji’s decision-making under pressure should be stronger than in past campaigns.
Logical context
Fiji’s pathway has deliberately fused the explosiveness of its sevens talent with the structure learned in Super W and other elite environments. That mix is designed to meet World Cup demands: sustain high tempo for 80 minutes while tightening the fundamentals—discipline, exits, set-piece, and tackle completion—against top-10 opposition.
Summary
– Fiji departs Wednesday for England with a 32-player squad led by Alfreda Fisher Maria.
– The group blends Drua standouts, Fijiana 7s stars, and overseas-based players, with 10 World Cup returnees.
– Fiji is pooled with Canada, Scotland, and Wales, all ranked inside the global top 10.
– Preparations included a 34-12 scrimmage win over Samoa and extensive combination testing.
– Key to success: set-piece stability, territory control, and unleashing the team’s trademark speed.
A hopeful note
This is Fiji’s most balanced and battle-hardened group yet. If they nail the nuts and bolts—discipline, set piece, and defensive work rate—their natural flair can turn tight matches, offering real potential to upset higher-ranked opponents and inspire a new wave of Fijian girls to take up the sport.
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