Fiji Rugby High-Performance women’s manager Alana Thomas has been receiving interest from a handful of overseas-based players wanting to join the national 15s and 7s side for the 2024 season.
The former Australian international and Melbourne Rebels women’s head coach was elected as the HPU manager in November last year.
“I have been in contact with players overseas to introduce myself and see their interest in playing for Fiji.
I have also had players who have played wanting to rejoin after the WXV and hearing from current players about the direction we want to take the national team,” she said.
Thomas said the national 15s side would be named in the weeks after the 2024 Super W competition and Oceania Championships kicked off.
“The national fifteens team will be named post-Super W before the Oceania Championships which also is the women’s RWC 2025 qualifier for us.”
Thomas is looking to help the national 15s side qualify for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
In the past few months Thomas has been with the FRU, she says she has enjoyed working with members of the 15s and 7s extended squads ahead of the 2024 season.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with both the Fijiana XVs and 7s over the past few months.
Getting to know the players and staff in both programs and seeing how things are done has been wonderful.
“Everyone has been so welcoming and helping me understand each program.”
Regarding the national 7s side, Thomas said their target for the HSBC SVNS Series was to improve their international ranking.
“We are currently sitting fourth having made the quarterfinals in both Dubai and Cape Town, and we are looking to improve our ranking for the new season.
“I am excited for Perth, Vancouver, and LA legs as this will give us a very clear picture of where we are.”
She said former national netball reps Luse Kotobalavu’s addition to the national 7s side as team manager had been superficial for the side.
“We have also added Luse Kotobalavu as the team manager for the 7s team, which has been a great addition to the team, and her experience and care will only benefit the team.
“Meanwhile, we also have Moses Rauluni and Selita Koroi leading the coaching and management team is the start of a new beginning for the fifteens program.”
