The appointment process for the head coach of the Vodafone Fijiana XV and the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women’s rugby teams has commenced, as confirmed by Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans. This follows the resignation of head coach Mosese Rauluni after the Fijiana XV’s disappointing performance at the WXV3 tournament in Dubai, where they faced losses to Samoa and Spain.
Evans noted that the role is jointly funded, so Rauluni’s resignation from the national team also means he vacates his position with the Drua. The Drua is collaborating with the Fiji Rugby Union to identify a successor. Former Fijiana XV head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has expressed no interest in returning to the position, while Inoke Male has not yet made a decision regarding the role. There is speculation that Kele Leawere, Rauluni’s assistant, may be in line for consideration due to his ongoing work with the players.
In other news, the Fijiana XVs are placed in a challenging pool for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. They are in Pool B, competing against Canada, Scotland, and Wales. The Fijiana XVs were heavily defeated 59-15 by Scotland in their most recent Test match at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.
Defending champions New Zealand will be in Pool C, where they’ll compete with Ireland, Japan, and South Africa. Meanwhile, hosts England are placed in Pool A alongside Australia, the USA, and Samoa. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place from August 22 to September 27.
The pools for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 are as follows:
Pool A: England, Australia, USA, Samoa
Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji
Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain
Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil.