The Vodafone Fijiana XV team currently lacks a head coach with only 11 months remaining until the Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to take place in England from August 22 to September 27 next year. This situation follows the resignation of head coach Mosese Rauluni last Wednesday, whose contract with the Fiji Rugby Union ended after the team’s recent match against Spain, where they narrowly lost 8-10.
The Fijiana team finished in fourth place in the WXV 3 table. Former head coach Inoke Male has yet to decide if he will apply for the coaching position when it is advertised, while Senirusi Seruvakula has confirmed he will not be submitting an application. Male expressed his thoughts, stating, “I will decide when the time comes,” and mentioned that he believes there are misunderstandings between players and management that the players must address.
Male commended the contributions of Australian-born Qarani Gau to both the Drua and Fijiana teams. He had previously signed a three-year contract last year, intending to lead the national women’s team into the Rugby World Cup in England; however, he opted not to reapply after being advised to do so just ten months into his tenure.
Rauluni, who held the head coach position for nine months, resigned citing the team’s unsatisfactory performance and his desire to return to Australia to be with family. During his time, the Fijiana qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2025 by winning the 2024 Oceania Championship and brought the Fijian Drua women to their third consecutive final, although they could not defend their Super W title.
In their final match of the 2024 season, the Karalaini Naisewa-captained Fijiana team secured only one victory in the WXV 3 tournament. The game against Spain was closely contested, with both teams eager for the win. Fiji initially took the lead with a penalty kick by fullback Luisa Tisolo in the 20th minute, making it 3-0, but Spain responded swiftly, scoring a converted try after Fiji’s Aviame Veidreyaki received a yellow card.
Spain extended their lead with a penalty in the 76th minute, leading 10-3. Fijiana’s Adita Milinia scored an unconverted try just before full-time, bringing the score to 10-8. Tisolo had a chance to tie the match with a conversion but missed, leading to celebrations from the victorious Spanish team.
Samoa secured a spot in the World Cup by finishing second after defeating Madagascar 46-15, marking their return to the Women’s Rugby World Cup since 2014. Meanwhile, the Netherlands concluded their debut tournament on a high note, earning a bonus-point victory of 33-3 against Hong Kong China, which elevated them to third place.