As the 2025 Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship approaches, Vodafone Fijiana XV head coach Ioan Cunningham is full of confidence regarding the team’s preparations for the tournament. The competition is set to commence on June 6, with Fiji facing its regional rivals Tonga and Samoa. The Fijiana enters the tournament as the defending champions and is eager to showcase their prowess on home soil.
Cunningham has noted that the team has been together for a little over a week and that their training has been productive. “Preparation has been going well, and we’re excited by the opportunity to play in Fiji, in front of our home people,” he expressed during a recent interview. The mix of experienced players and new talents is a focal point for the upcoming championship, as several members return from last year’s championship-winning squad while fresh faces look to assert their capabilities.
Cunningham highlighted the importance of this tournament as a stepping stone in preparation for the Women’s Rugby World Cup later this year. “It’s a great opportunity for these new players to step up and stake their claim for a World Cup spot,” he shared. The competition will not only help to assess the team’s readiness but also to build depth and nurture healthy competition within the squad.
The Fijiana XV will kick off its campaign against Tonga at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka next Saturday, setting the stage for a thrilling rugby experience that not only reflects Fijian talent but also addresses the broader goal of promoting women’s rugby in the region. As the team gears up with a blend of veteran players like Bitila Tawake and fresh talents such as Michellae Stolz, there is an air of optimism surrounding their performance and aspirations, both for the championship and for inspiring future generations of female athletes in Fiji.
Overall, the Fijiana’s journey in the upcoming championship holds significant potential for growth and success, embodying the spirit and commitment of Fijian rugby.
Leave a comment