The year ahead is crucial for women’s rugby, particularly with the Women’s Rugby World Cup scheduled to occur in England from August 22 to September 27. As preparations intensify, the Fiji Rugby Union has appointed Ioan Cunningham as the head coach of the Vodafone Fijiana XVs. Cunningham is currently focused on assembling his coaching staff and training the team for the prestigious tournament.
To bolster their preparation, the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua is actively competing in the Super W competition, which is vital for scouting talent in advance of the World Cup. Interim head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa, along with assistant coach Kele Leawere, is dedicated to enhancing the team’s performance, building on the Drua’s recent achievements that include winning back-to-back Super W titles in 2022 and 2023.
The Drua has shown promising form early in the current season. Despite a setback in their pre-season match against the Brumbies, where they lost 52-33, the team rebounded with a noteworthy victory over the NSW Waratahs, winning 23-16. However, they recently faced a narrow defeat against the Queensland Reds, losing 22-19 in Lautoka. This week, the Drua will again clash with the Brumbies; a win could significantly improve their chances of landing a home semi-final as the playoffs approach.
A primary goal for the Drua amidst the Super W experience is to cultivate player depth. Rawaqa has introduced talented young athletes like 17-year-old Carletta Yee, alongside Tiana Robanakadavu and Loraini Senivutu, who have notably influenced the team’s strategy and play style, particularly in matches against tougher opponents like the Reds. These emerging talents bring fresh energy and skill to the established squad.
Additionally, the Drua draws inspiration from the men’s game, particularly the successful transition of players like Iosefo Masi from sevens to fifteen-a-side rugby. The team is keen to incorporate exceptional players from the women’s sevens program, broadening their gameplay strategy and enhancing overall team performance.
Rawaqa emphasizes the significance of player positioning, indicating that veteran players like Kolora Lomani and Vitalina Naikore perform best in their preferred wing positions, rather than being moved around the field. Such strategic clarity aims to boost performance levels while also reintegrating key players returning from injuries, thereby strengthening the team’s center positions.
The combination of seasoned Olympians and rising local talent offers a promising outlook for the Drua and the landscape of women’s rugby in Fiji. The upcoming matches will not only be an opportunity to forge better teamwork but also to inspire the next generation of female athletes in the region. The commitment and passion of the Drua reflect their unwavering dedication to achieving excellence as they prepare for the World Cup, paving the way for a bright future in women’s rugby in Fiji.
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