As the countdown begins to the 2025 Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship, Vodafone Fijiana XV head coach Ioan Cunningham is confident his side is on the right track for a strong campaign.
The tournament kicks off next Friday, with Fiji facing familiar Pacific rivals Tonga and Samoa. This year, the Fijiana enter as defending champions, and they’re determined to retain the title on home soil.
“We’ve been together for just over 10 days,” Cunningham shared during an interview this week.
“Preparation has been going well, and we’re excited by the opportunity to play in Fiji, in front of our home people. We’re really looking forward to that.”
One of the key talking points heading into the championship is the blend of experience and youth within the squad.
While several players are returning from last year’s championship-winning team and the recent Test against the Wallaroos, there’s also a new wave of talent entering the fold.
“It’s a great opportunity for these new players to step up and stake their claim for a World Cup spot.
“At the same time, we’re building healthy competition within the team and growing our depth,” Cunningham said.
The head coach is thankful for Fiji’s active high-performance unit that continue to develop new, young and talented players.
Fijiana will face Tonga in its first match next Saturday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
