Ioan Cunningham has taken the helm as the newly appointed head coach of Vodafone Fijiana XV, with aspirations set firmly on the upcoming 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. The team will face tough competition in Pool B against Canada, Scotland, and Wales.
Cunningham, who has a track record of success as the former coach of the Wales Women’s rugby team, aims to meld Fiji’s vibrant flair and individualistic style with a new level of strategic discipline. He remarked on the wealth of talent within the team, filled with “great individual talent with flair and passion,” and expressed optimism about enhancing their overall effectiveness on the pitch. He believes that introducing more structure and clarity to their play will lead to significant improvements in performance.
Under Cunningham’s guidance, the Fijiana XV is set to retain its expansive, dynamic style of play while also bolstering its defensive capabilities. He emphasized the need for the team to be difficult to break down, stating, “We need to be a hard team to break down, one that never goes away.” Cunningham is particularly impressed with the strength seen in the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s matches, especially regarding their scrum strength and potent backline.
An essential aspect of Cunningham’s strategy will involve enhancing the team’s kicking game as a form of attack. He believes that diversifying their approach—by incorporating kicks into space instead of focusing solely on passing—will create a more well-rounded gameplay strategy.
While acknowledging the formidable challenges posed by elite squads like England and New Zealand, Cunningham remains optimistic about his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. “We can definitely give them a scare,” he claimed, pointing out the importance of staying competitive from start to finish.
This coaching shift comes after the resignation of Mosese Rauluni, who faced difficulties in leading the team, which finished fourth in the WXV 3 tournament. Cunningham’s extensive experience in transforming the Welsh team into a competitive professional unit, combined with his proactive coaching style, brings fresh hope for the Fijiana XV’s journey forward.
As this new chapter unfolds towards the World Cup, the focus on combining structure with Fiji’s natural talent promises the potential for the Fijiana XV to move beyond mere competitiveness, aiming instead for victories that embody the pride and passion of Fijian rugby. With optimism and determination as their guiding principles, the Fijiana XV is poised for an exciting journey ahead.
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