Despite their 24-31 loss to the USA Women’s Eagles in their Test match last Sunday, the Vodafone Fijiana XV’s outing at the match is testament to the growth of women’s rugby here at home.
These were the sentiments of head coach Ioan Cunningham, as he mentioned how his players sparked a wave of inspiration in those cheering on them here in Fiji.
“This result is massive for the growth of women’s rugby in Fiji,” Cunningham said after the match.
“The team wants to inspire people back home every time they take the field — and I believe they did just that.”
With a defiant performance put up by both teams which would have led to the Fijiana clinching a win over the Americans, it was proof to the level of development prevalent in the team.
Cunningham said their performance in last Sunday’s Test match was a crucial part of seeing the bigger picture.
And it’s a dynamic vision conceived by the head coach for his team, with the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England looming around the corner.
“We’re creating a culture where players can be themselves and contribute toward the team,” he added.
“This environment is helping the squad come together quickly.”
With their defeat being regarded as anything but that, considering their opponent’s dominant 14-0 lead at the breather of Sunday’s Test and the turnaround mounted by the Fijiana to gain much needed traction, it’s a momentous step forward following their successful defence of the 2025 Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship in Sigatoka last month.
Meanwhile, captain Alfreda Fisher believes more work needs to be done to ensure their they are prepared to take on the opposition.
“We are working on our defence, wanting everyone to fill the field and not get stuck inside,” Fisher shared after the match.
“Also controlling what we can on the field and connection with the forwards and backs.”
Meanwhile, for the upcoming World Cup in England, the Fijiana find themselves in the company of Canada, Scotland and Wales in Pool B.
