Ifereimi Rawaqa, currently serving as the Fijian Drua Men’s Skills and Development Coach, has been appointed as the Interim Head Coach for the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women ahead of the 2025 Buildcorp Super Rugby Women campaign.
Mark Evans, CEO of Fijian Drua, announced that Rawaqa was asked to take on this interim role as preparations for the 2025 Super Rugby Women’s season begin. Evans expressed confidence in Rawaqa’s dedication to the club and rugby in Fiji, stating that the Drua Women are fortunate to have him at the helm for this upcoming season. Rawaqa’s interim position will also allow the Drua and Fiji Rugby Union ample time to conduct a comprehensive recruitment process for a permanent Head Coach.
In his statement, Coach Rawaqa expressed his honor in leading the Drua Women this season, emphasizing its significance as a crucial step in Fiji’s preparation for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. He highlighted his initial focus on collaborating with the Drua Women’s assistant coaches and Fiji Rugby Union High-Performance Unit to enhance the team’s depth.
Rawaqa acknowledged the Drua Women’s impressive history in Super Rugby, boasting two championships in three years and three consecutive grand final appearances. He announced plans to initiate pre-season training earlier this year and is eager to work with both players and staff.
Rawaqa succeeds Mosese Rauluni, who resigned from his dual role as Head Coach for the Fijian Drua Women and the Vodafone Fijiana 15s following the recent WXV competition in Dubai. This appointment has been made jointly by the Fijian Drua and Fiji Rugby Union.