Ifereimi Rawaqa has been appointed as the interim head coach for the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women, ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Women campaign. Rawaqa, who currently serves as the skills and development coach for the Fijian Drua men’s team, takes over the role from Mosese Rauluni, who resigned after the recent WXV competition in Dubai. The decision was made jointly by the Drua organization and Fiji Rugby Union.
Mark Evans, the CEO of Fijian Drua, expressed gratitude for Rawaqa’s willingness to take on this important position as the team prepares for the upcoming season. He noted Rawaqa’s esteemed reputation in the region and emphasized that he would provide strong leadership for the Drua women.
Rawaqa acknowledged the honor of leading the Drua women and highlighted the significance of the season as part of Fiji’s preparation for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. He prioritizes collaborating with assistant coaches and the Fiji Rugby Union’s high performance unit to enhance the squad’s depth.
The Drua women have a strong history in Super W, having won the championship twice in three years and reached three consecutive grand finals. Rawaqa plans to begin pre-season training earlier this year and is eager to work closely with both players and staff.
With a background as a prominent player for the Flying Fijians, Rawaqa has participated in two Rugby World Cups and was part of the victorious Rugby World Cup Sevens team in 2005. He holds a World Rugby Level 3 coaching accreditation and began his coaching career in 2013. Over the years, Rawaqa has held various coaching positions, including leading the Fiji U20 team during recent international competitions, showcasing his extensive experience in rugby development.
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