The rise of the Vodafone Fijiana XV in the Pacific women’s rugby landscape has been impressive, largely due to the opportunities provided by the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship.
Before the tournament became a regular fixture, Fiji’s women’s rugby struggled to find consistent international competition.
The Championship changed that dynamic
With each edition, Fijiana players gained valuable experience facing strong regional rivals like Samoa and Tonga.
Their dominant 48-3 win over Tonga in the 2024 Championship highlighted not just their speed and skill but also improved game tactics and fitness—clear signs of growth nurtured through regular competition.
The Championship has opened doors for Fiji on the world stage.
Their dominant performances earned them qualification for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the WXV 3 tournament in 2023
This exposure has raised the team’s profile attracting more supporters back home.
Beyond the international success, the Championship has sparked greater interest in women’s rugby across Fiji.
More girls are now picking up rugby at schools and clubs, inspired by the national team’s achievements.
The Fiji Rugby Union has also been stepping up with better training programs to build on this momentum.
Overall, the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship has been a gamechanger for Fiji, turning raw potential into performance and giving women’s rugby the boost it needed to grow.
