The Vodafone Fijiana XV team is currently without a head coach as they prepare for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, set to take place from August 22 to September 27 next year. This change follows the resignation of head coach Mosese Rauluni, whose contract with Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) ended after their final WXV 3 match against Spain, in which Fiji lost 8-10.
Fijiana finished fourth in the WXV 3 standings. Former head coach Inoke Male has not yet decided whether he will apply for the coaching position once it is advertised, while Senirusi Seruvakula has confirmed he will not be applying. Male stated, “I will decide when the time comes,” when asked about his future.
Reflecting on the Fijiana team’s performance, Male remarked on misunderstandings between players and management, suggesting that the players themselves should address those concerns. He recognized the contributions of Australian-born Qarani Gau to both the Drua and Fijiana teams.
Male previously signed a three-year contract last year and was expected to lead the national women’s team into the World Cup; however, after just ten months, he was advised to reapply for the position but chose not to do so.
Rauluni held his role for nine months before resigning due to unsatisfactory results and has opted to return to Australia for family reasons. During his time, Fijiana qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2025 after winning the 2024 Oceania Championship, and he guided the Fijian Drua women to their third consecutive final, although they were unable to defend their Super W title.
Under the captaincy of Karalaini Naisewa, the team managed only one victory in the WXV 3 tournament, concluding the 2024 season with a tough match against Spain. The game was competitive, with both teams eager for a win. Fiji took an early lead with a penalty from fullback Luisa Tisolo, but Spain capitalized on disciplinary issues in the Fijiana squad and scored a converted try after a yellow card against Aviame Veidreyaki.
In the closing minutes, Spain extended their lead with another penalty, bringing the score to 10-3. Adita Milinia scored an unconverted try for Fiji in the final moments, closing the gap to 10-8. Tisolo had a chance to equalize with a conversion but missed the kick, allowing Samoa, who secured a win against Madagascar, to earn a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
The Netherlands also wrapped up their debut tournament on a triumphant note, defeating Hong Kong China 33-3 to finish in third place.