The Vodafone Fijiana XV team is currently without a coach as the Women’s Rugby World Cup approaches, set to take place in England from August 22 to September 27 next year. This vacancy follows the resignation of head coach Mosese Rauluni last Wednesday, whose contract with the Fiji Rugby Union ended after their last WXV 3 match against Spain, which ended in a narrow defeat for Fiji, 8-10. Fijiana finished fourth in the WXV 3 table.
Former head coach Inoke Male has yet to decide whether he will apply for the position when it is advertised, while Senirusi Seruvakula has stated that he will not seek the role. Male remarked, “I will decide when the time comes,” and shared his thoughts on the team’s performance, suggesting that any misunderstandings between players and management should be addressed by the players themselves.
Male recognized the contributions of Qarani and Gau to both the Drua and Fijiana teams. He had a three-year contract starting last year, planning to lead the national women’s team into the World Cup, but was advised to reapply for the position after ten months and chose not to continue. Rauluni also held the coaching position for nine months before stepping down, citing the team’s performance did not meet the high standards he aimed for and his desire to return to his family in Australia.
In his time as coach, Rauluni guided Fijiana to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2025 by winning the 2024 Oceania Championship, as well as leading the Fijian Drua women’s team to their third consecutive final, although they could not defend their Super W title. Under the captaincy of Karalaini Naisewa, Fijiana secured just one win in the WXV 3 tournament, ending their 2024 season on a challenging note.
The match against Spain was fiercely contested, with both teams eager for victory. Fiji initially took the lead in the 20th minute with a penalty kick from fullback Luisa Tisolo, making the score 3-0, but discipline issues allowed Spain to score a converted try after Aviame Veidreyaki received a yellow card. In the 76th minute, Spain extended their lead to 10-3 with another penalty kick. Milinia scored an unconverted try for Fiji just before full-time, making it 10-8. Tisolo had a chance to equalize with a conversion attempt but missed, allowing Spain to celebrate their victory.
Samoa secured a spot at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England after defeating Madagascar 46-15, ensuring at least a second-place finish. Meanwhile, the Netherlands concluded their debut tournament on a high note with a bonus-point victory of 33-3 over Hong Kong China, finishing third in the standings.