The Vodafone Fijiana XV team is currently lacking a head coach as the Women’s Rugby World Cup approaches, scheduled to take place in England from August 22 to September 27 next year. This situation arises following the resignation of head coach Mosese Rauluni, whose contract with Fiji Rugby Union concluded yesterday after the team’s final WXV 3 match against Spain, which ended in a close 10-8 defeat.
The Fijiana finished in fourth place in the WXV 3 standings. Former head coach Inoke Male has yet to make a decision on whether he will apply for the coaching position when it becomes available, while Senirusi Seruvakula has confirmed he will not apply.
Male commented, “I will decide when the time comes,” regarding the coaching vacancy. He also expressed his thoughts on the team’s performance, acknowledging that there have been misunderstandings between the players and management, adding that it is up to the players to address those issues.
Male praised Qarani, Gau, a player from Australia, for his contributions to both the Fijiana and the Fijian Drua. He had previously signed a three-year contract last year with plans to lead the women’s team in the upcoming World Cup, but after 10 months, he chose not to reapply for his position after being advised to do so.
Rauluni, who served in the role for nine months, left his position due to the Fijiana’s underperformance, which did not meet his high standards for the team. He decided to return to Australia to be with his family. Under his leadership, 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, although they were unable to retain their Super W title.
In their last match of the 2024 season, the Fijiana team, captained by Karalaini Naisewa, managed only one win in the WXV 3 tournament. The match against Spain was fiercely contested, with both sides aiming for victory. Fiji initially took the lead with a penalty kick from fullback Luisa Tisolo, making it 3-0. However, discipline issues cost the Fijiana dearly as Spain capitalized on a yellow card issued to Aviame Veidreyaki, scoring a converted try.
In the closing minutes of the match, Spain increased their lead with a penalty, bringing the score to 10-3. A late unconverted try by Fiji’s Adita Milinia reduced the deficit to 10-8. Tisolo had one last opportunity to level the match with a conversion but missed, resulting in a win for Spain amid celebrations.
Samoa secured a place in the World Cup by defeating Madagascar 46-15, while the Netherlands finished their debut tournament positively with a 33-3 victory over Hong Kong China, ensuring they placed third overall.