The Vodafone Fijiana XV team is currently without a head coach, just 11 months ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup scheduled in England from August 22 to September 27 next year. This change comes after head coach Mosese Rauluni announced his resignation last Wednesday, with his contract expiring following Fiji’s last WXV 3 match against Spain, where they suffered a close defeat of 8-10.
The Fijiana team ended its WXV 3 campaign in fourth place. Former head coach Inoke Male has yet to decide whether he will apply for the position when it is officially advertised, while Senirusi Seruvakula has confirmed he will not be putting in an application. Male stated, “I will decide when the time comes,” when asked about his prospective involvement. He further commented on the team’s performance, noting, “There are some misunderstandings regarding players and management, and (only) the girls need to answer those questions.”
Male praised Australian-born Qarani Gau for his contributions to both the Fijiana team and the Fijian Drua. Like Rauluni, Male signed a three-year contract last year with plans to coach the women’s national team at the World Cup; however, after ten months in the role, he was prompted to reapply but chose against it.
Rauluni’s tenure lasted nine months before he decided to resign, citing that the team’s performance did not meet the high standards he had set. He has opted to return to Australia to be with family. Under his guidance, the Fijiana qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2025 by winning the 2024 Oceania Championship and led the Fijian Drua women to their third consecutive final, though they were unable to defend their Super W title.
In their final match of the 2024 season, the team, captained by Karalaini Naisewa, managed just one victory in the WXV 3 tournament. The match against Spain was closely contested, as both teams fought hard for a win. Fiji scored first with a penalty kick from fullback Luisa Tisolo in the 20th minute, leading 3-0 briefly. However, a yellow card for Aviame Veidreyaki allowed Spain to capitalize, scoring a converted try.
In the 76th minute, Spain extended its lead with a penalty, bringing the score to 10-3. Adita Milinia scored a last-minute unconverted try, bringing the score to 10-8. Tisolo had a chance to convert and level the match but missed the attempt, allowing Samoa to celebrate their title. Samoa secured their place in the World Cup by defeating Madagascar, and the Netherlands finished their first tournament impressively with a bonus-point victory over Hong Kong China.