The Vodafone Fijiana XV team is without a coach 11 months to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England on August 22-September 27, next year.

This followed head coach Mosese Rauluni’s resignation last Wednesday; his contract with Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) ended yesterday following their last WXV 3 match against Spain where Fiji lost, 8-10.

Fijiana finished fourth on the WXV 3 table.

Former head coach Inoke Male has not made a decision yet, if he is going to apply for the role when advertised while Senirusi Seruvakula indicated he is not going to apply.

“I will decide when the time comes,” Male said.

Asked of his thoughts on the Fijiana team’s performance, he said: “There are some misunderstanding regarding players and management and (only) the girls need to answer those questions.”

Male acknowledged the Australian-born Qarani, Gau, native for his contribution to the Drua and the Fijiana side.

Like Rauluni, Male had signed a three-year contract last year and was set to take the national women’s team for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England next year, however with only 10 months into the position, Male was advised to re-apply; he decided not to.

WXV 3 

Rauluni held the same post for nine months before resigning. His decision comes after the recent results of the Fijiana which has not been to the high performance standards he set for the team. He opted to return to Australia to be with his family.

During his tenure, Fijiana qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2025 after winning 2024 Oceania Championship, guided the Fijian Drua women’s to their third consecutive final but failed to defend their Super W title.

The Karalaini Naisewa-captained side registered only one win in the WXV 3 tournament to bring a close to the 2024 season.

It was a highly contested match with both teams hungry for the crucial win.

Spain was relentless in defence denying Fijiana the chances to play their free-flowing rugby.

Fiji drew first blood in the 20th minute after nippy fullback Luisa Tisolo slotted a penalty kick at goal to lead 3-0.

The lead was short-lived as discipline proved too costly for the Fijiana which Spain capitalised on to score a converted try after Aviame Veidreyaki was yellow-carded.

In the 76th minute, Spain managed to kick a penalty extending their lead to 10-3.

Robust centre Adita Milinia scored an unconverted try at the stroke of full-time to make the score 10-8.

Fijiana fullback Luisa Tisolo had a conversion to draw the match, and hand Samoa the title, with the final kick but sliced her attempt wide amid raucous celebrations from those in red.

Samoa can console themselves with a ticket to England, and their first Women’s Rugby World Cup since 2014, having beaten Madagascar 46-15 on Friday to make sure of at least second place.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands ended their debut tournament on a high, securing a bonus-point 33-3 victory against Hong Kong China that lifted them above their opponents and into third.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj