A wave of progress for women’s rugby coaching is under way as 14 female coaches are selected for the Gallagher High Performance Academy, with many set to join the management teams of their national sides for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Among the cohort are Tavaita Rowati of Fiji and Bella Milo of Samoa, marking a notable Pacific representation in this milestone program.
The announcement follows a broader surge in female coaching across the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 landscape. World Rugby reports that 32% of coaches at the tournament will be women, more than double the 15% recorded in 2021. In total, female coaches at the World Cup have quadrupled since 2021, rising from six to 23. Three female head coaches have been named for 2025, with France, Australia and Japan leading the way, and the USA and Samoa also featuring prominent gender-balanced coaching teams. Across all 16 unions, 281 staff in management roles are now women, accounting for 40% of the total. World Rugby’s chief of women’s rugby, Sally Horrox, described the figures as a clear sign of momentum, stating that the Gallagher High Performance Academy is not only creating opportunities for the coaches involved but also accelerating progress across the game, providing role models for the next generation, and embedding more women in leadership on the world stage to drive lasting change.
Rowati is widely regarded as a trailblazer for Fiji’s women’s rugby, having dedicated nearly two decades to the sport as a player, coach, mentor and educator. Her work includes founding Striders Women’s Rugby to create opportunities for girls who lack teams or support, and she has earned coaching qualifications up to Level 3, plus strength and conditioning credentials. As a World Rugby educator and former member of the coaching staff for the 2022 Fijiana Drua and the Fijiana World Cup squad, Rowati aims to become the head coach of the Fijiana 15s in the future. Her emphasis on grassroots development and local capacity-building highlights how pivotal community pathways are to the sport’s growth. She points to the Women in Sport program as a catalyst for confidence and urges young women to “be brave” and take the initiative, noting that helping one girl succeed can have a ripple effect that uplifts families and communities across Fiji.
Another prominent example within Fiji’s evolving coaching landscape is Adi Fika Seruitanoa, known as Di Fika, who recently became head coach of the Naitasiri Women’s Provincial team. She is among the small circle of women in the country to hold a World Rugby Level 3 coaching certificate, a landmark achievement that places her among a handful of role models nationwide. Seruitanoa began coaching in 2018 at Nausori Primary School, transitioning from teaching to rugby coaching through formal certification and professional experiences in Australia and Fiji. Her journey—from getting into coaching to leading a senior provincial team—parallels Rowati’s rise and reinforces the broader trend of women taking on higher levels of responsibility within Fijian rugby. Her story also underscores the importance of early development programs and local mentorship in expanding coaching opportunities for women.
Together, these narratives reflect a growing confidence in Fiji and the wider Pacific region that women can lead teams, shape strategy, and influence the next generation of players. The momentum in women’s rugby coaching aligns with broader regional ambitions as Pacific nations prepare for high-profile competitions, including World Cup campaigns that showcase the depth and resilience of Fijian and Samoan rugby.
Commentary and outlook:
– The inclusion of Rowati, Di Fika, and peers in the Gallagher High Performance Academy signals a tangible shift toward gender-balanced leadership at the sport’s highest levels. This should help attract more girls to both playing and coaching, creating a virtuous cycle of opportunity and development.
– For Fiji, these developments add to a growing ecosystem of role models who are actively mentoring the next generation, from grassroots programs to national team staff.
– The public-facing commitment from World Rugby and the visible progress in officials and coaching staff diversity suggest that the sport is serious about reflecting the communities it serves, which can foster greater participation and long-term sustainability.
Summary:
A landmark cohort of female coaches entering World Cup management roles, led by Pacific trailblazers like Tavaita Rowati and with parallel growth in figures such as Di Fika Seruitanoa, marks a meaningful milestone for women’s rugby coaching. The trend toward more women in leadership positions, supported by World Rugby’s Gallagher High Performance Academy, promises to elevate the game at all levels and inspire future generations of female athletes and coaches across Fiji, Samoa, and the wider region.
Positive note:
This momentum offers real hope that more female coaches will find pathways to the top, strengthening the sport’s inclusivity and resilience for years to come.
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