Vodafone Fijiana XV head coach Ioan Cunningham says finalizing the 32-player squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup was one of the toughest calls of the campaign, underscoring the depth and competition within the group. The final team was unveiled on Saturday night at the Tanoa International Hotel in Votualevu, Nadi, days before departure for England.
The announcement followed a productive hit-out against Manusina Samoa at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, where Fijiana prevailed 34-12. Cunningham welcomed the selection “headaches” generated by strong performances across training and match scenarios. “It’s been challenging; the competition for players has been great. A lot of players really want to represent Fiji in the World Cup— they’re showing that in their training and in their playing,” he said, adding that the healthy contest for places has driven standards.
The squad leaves Fiji for England on Wednesday. The World Cup runs from August 22 to September 27, with Fijiana drawn in Pool B alongside Canada, Scotland, and Wales.
Building on months of preparation, Cunningham—formerly head coach of Wales Women—has focused on blending Fiji’s trademark flair with more structure, clarity in key areas, and an expanded kicking threat to complement their running game. Earlier in the build-up, the staff worked through a training pool approaching 40 players, including a competitive USA tour and multiple scrimmages to test combinations, cohesion, and tactical execution. That process informed the final cut to 32.
Cunningham praised the atmosphere in camp and the staff-player alignment heading into the global stage. “Great people to work with, great staff. We’re all excited by the opportunity we’ve got at a global tournament to represent Fiji.” The 34-12 showing against Samoa offered encouraging signs in contact, width, and work rate—while also highlighting areas to fine-tune before facing the physicality and set-piece pressure common to Northern Hemisphere opponents.
Additional comments and context
– Selection pressure lifts performance: Intense internal competition generally sharpens training standards, improves decision-making under pressure, and creates depth—assets that matter across a long tournament.
– Style and structure can coexist: Maintaining Fiji’s expansive attack while tightening defensive systems and adding a smart kicking option should help Fijiana manage field position and tempo against Canada, Scotland, and Wales.
– Momentum from the campaign: The staged preparation—large training group, tour minutes, and purposeful scrimmages—has created cohesion and clarity in roles, which is often decisive in early pool matches.
Summary
– Fijiana’s final 32-player World Cup squad has been confirmed in Nadi after a 34-12 scrimmage win over Manusina Samoa.
– The team departs for England on Wednesday; the tournament runs August 22 to September 27.
– Head coach Ioan Cunningham cites strong internal competition, structured improvements, and growing cohesion as reasons for optimism.
– Fiji compete in Pool B against Canada, Scotland, and Wales.
Positive outlook
With selection settled and combinations bedded in, Fijiana enter England with momentum and a clear identity. The blend of flair, fitness, and structure—plus the hunger that fueled a tight selection race—positions the team to challenge their Pool B opponents and inspire the next generation of women’s rugby players in Fiji.
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