With the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England just over a week away, Vodafone Fijiana XV head coach Ioan Cunningham says Fiji arrives in strong shape, showing improved attack and game management but still needing to be more clinical at the breakdown if they’re to challenge the world’s best.
Speaking to the media, Cunningham highlighted how the team has grown, particularly in attacking play and overall game management. “From an attacking point of view, I think we’re holding onto the ball better,” he said. “It’s also about better defence. We are showing our powerful side, so there’s been a lot of growth with us.”
Cunningham noted the squad’s development goes beyond individuals, stressing better game management and momentum control. “We’re understanding game management, so we do real good, positive action, whether it’s a line break or a kick for field position, and then it’s making sure we stay on top of teams. So, there’s growth with us there,” he said, and he stressed the need to apply this against tougher opposition.
While encouraged by progress, Cunningham warned there are still areas to sharpen to compete at the highest level. Fiji’s Pool B opponents are Canada, Wales and Scotland, a trio that will test the Fijiana’s ability to adapt to different styles. Canada, ranked No. 2 in the world, will demand discipline and precision, while the northern-hemisphere approach from Wales and Scotland will require Fiji to blend flair with structure.
Preparations have included a heavy training period and selection depth. The squad has been working with a broader group—including players from Fiji’s sevens program—to build cohesion and sharpen decision-making under pressure. A recent hit-out against Manusina Samoa, which Fiji won 34-12, provided a data point for Cunningham to finalise his plans ahead of departure for England.
The Fiji team departed yesterday for England, where the World Cup runs from August 22 to September 27. The tournament will feature Fiji in Pool B with Canada, Scotland, and Wales, a group that offers both a stern test and a platform to showcase Fiji’s growth on the world stage.
In addition to the on-field work, Cunningham has been focused on blending Fiji’s natural flair with more structure and a refined kicking game to diversify their attack. He believes maintaining their expansive style while tightening defence and adding probing kicks will help stretch opponents and control tempo. This approach fits into a broader aim to elevate women’s rugby in Fiji, drawing on the depth of talent and the momentum of recent developments.
Additional value and context for readers
– Talent depth and sevens integration: The squad benefits from players transitioning from sevens, adding speed and versatility while also increasing competition for places.
– Structure with flair: The coaching staff aims to keep Fiji’s expansive, entertaining style but add clearer structures in attack and defence, including a more developed kicking game to create space and pressure.
– Momentum and leadership: Emphasising game management and spine leadership (key playmakers and decision-makers) could prove decisive in close pool matches and momentum swings.
– Broader impact: Fiji’s World Cup push aligns with ongoing efforts to grow women’s rugby across Fiji and the Pacific, with potential benefits for grassroots participation and future generations of players.
Summary
Ioan Cunningham is guiding Fiji toward a balanced mix of flair and discipline as they head into the World Cup. With improved attacking cohesion and game management, the Fijiana are focused on tightening breakdowns, optimizing decision-making, and adapting to diverse opposition in Pool B. The squad’s depth, sevens integration, and recent warm-up performances underpin a hopeful campaign aimed at inspiring a new era of women’s rugby in Fiji.
Positive takeaway
The Fijiana arrive with momentum, a clear plan, and the backing of a growing player pool. If they can maintain their attacking spark while tightening discipline under pressure, they have a credible chance to challenge higher-ranked teams and leave a positive mark on the world stage.
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