The Vodafone Fijian XV is set to honor head coach Mosese Rauluni in their final match of the WXV 3 tournament against Spain in Dubai tomorrow. Rauluni announced his resignation earlier this week following a heavy 45-17 defeat to Samoa suffered by the Fijiana XV team.
During his tenure, Rauluni led the Fijian Drua to their third consecutive Super W Grand Final and guided the Fijiana XV to victory in the Oceania Championship, securing a spot in next year’s Rugby World Cup. He also achieved a milestone by coaching the Fijiana to their first-ever win against Japan. His leadership helped centralize the program in Nadi, creating a promising future for both players and staff. Prominent players like Atelaite Buna, Salanieta Kinita, and Repeka Tove have risen under his guidance.
The Fiji Rugby Union has confirmed that this match will be Rauluni’s last before he relocates to Brisbane, Australia to be with his family. FRU’s chief executive officer, Rovereto Nayacalevu, expressed his best wishes for Rauluni’s future endeavors and stated that they would begin the search for his successor as head coach for both the Fijiana XV and the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua teams.
The highly anticipated match between Fiji and Spain kicks off at 4:30 AM and will be broadcast live on Sky Pacific.
The Fijiana XV line-up for the match is as follows:
1. Salanieta Nabuli
2. Keleni Marawa
3. Tiana Robanakadavu
4. Aviame Veidreyaki
5. Alfreda Fisher
6. Salaseini Ralumu
7. Ema Adivitaloga
8. Karalaini Naisewa (captain)
9. Evivi Senikaravi
10. Salanieta Kinita
11. Repeka Tove
12. Jennifer Ravutia
13. Adita Milinia
14. Kolora Lomani
15. Luisa Tisolo.
Reserves:
16. Loraini Senivutu
17. Penina Turova
18. Anasimeci Korovata
19. Asinate Serevi
20. Mereoni Nakesa
21. Sulita Waisega
22. Setaita Railumu
23. Ivamere Nabura.