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RNZ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Fijiana coach: 'Positive growth overall' ahead of Women's Rugby World Cup
The Fijiana XV held off a spirited Samoan fightback to retain their Oceania Rugby Women's Challenge title with a hard-fought 24-20 victory. 14 June 2025 Photo: Facebook / Fiji Rugby Fijiana head coach Ioan Cunningham believes he has a strong squad that can put Fiji on the world rugby map at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England. Cunnigham has been with the squad for the last five months since his apppointment in February. In that time, he has seen the team take on the Wallaroos in a one-off test match, defend their Oceania Women's Rugby Championship title against both Samoa and Tonga, and take the ninth ranked American Eagles women's side to the wire in a close loss. Cunnigham, who has stints with the Welsh national women's team as head coach from 2021 to 2024, has introduced systems aimed at strengthening the Fijiana flair and style, while able to compete against the top teams in set-pieces and open play. In an interview with RNZ Pacific, Cunnigham said the team made progress through all commitments they have been involved in this year. "We've, firstly, connected well as a group and starting to really understand how we want to play and how we how win Test matches," he said while reviewing the team's performance do date. "That's still a development within our group. But we made good progress coming off the Wallaroos test back in May, into the Oceania and the tough test we had in USA. "It was exactly what we needed to see where we are against a top 10 team in the world rankings as we progress towards the World Cup. So, I think it's positive growth overall, but still a lot of work to do." Vodafone Fijiana coach Ioan Cunnigham Photo: Facebook / Fiji Rugby Cunnigham had the opportunity to work with players who have been in the mix now for their second World Cup, and others who have had some experience with the Fijian Drua women's team in the Super Rugby Pacific Women's competition. There are players who have also been recruited from the Fijiana Sevens team that has been playing in the annual HSBC Sevens Series. He said the players were all talented and have their own individual skills that helps make the team tick. "We've got an incredible group of athletes that can play the game very well, especially when opportunities open up," he stated. "We showed some of that against USA, that when we go forward and we can offload and win collisions, we can threaten anyone in the world,. But he said the key for Fijiana is getting the "balance right" and not overplaying. "Because if we turn the ball over against top sides, we get punished. It's really important that we get that balance right. "We've got some incredible athletes, which are powerful, fast, good skill set, and it's my role to try and allow them to express themselves within our structure, really, especially on a global stage in the World Cup." The squad is currently training in Fiji and going through the final pieces of their preparation. The players will have the opportunity to have "controlled" games against the Manusina side next week. The Samoan women's team is heading to Fiji for a final training camp before they also fly out to England. "We've got a great opportunity to have a sort of controlled game against Samoa, who come to Fiji for the training camp," Cunnigham said. "We'll have good preparation week in Nadi against against Samoa, before we all depart and head to England." Fijiana centre Josivini Naihamu tries to run away from the Wallaroos defence on Saturday. Photo: FRU Media The Fijians appeared at the 2022 Rugby World Cup and won against South Africa in their second pool game. They are in Pool B alongside Canada, Wales and Scotland at the 2025 event. Fiji will meet Canada in their opening game on August 24. Cunnigham reckons that will be their toughest game, being their first and against the second ranked team in World Rugby. "Obviously, Canada, first match is going to be a tough one," he said. "They're ranked second in the world at the moment and they are a very well coached team that has got a good mix in their play. "They can go through you with the ball carrying off a game, but they can also go around you with the pace they've got as well. So from our point of view, defensively, we've got to be at our best and also take our opportunities when we get them." He said both Scotland and Wales will offer different game patterns, expecting them to go to the air with a lot more high balls and tactical kicks for territory. "Probably the biggest difference there is, from what our players are used to with Super Rugby, is probably the kicking game," he said. "Scotland and Wales will kick a lot more, so, that presents opportunities for us to counter attack, but also we have to be really sharp and wary in our backfield, because they do kick well. "They probably value territory more of than possession, and that's something that we're going to have to adapt to fairly quickly." A good finish at the world cup, led by good performances, will be a positive for women's rugby in Fiji. It is something that is not lost on the squad, fully understanding the importance of putting up the best they can do. "Our task at the World Cup is to inspire the country, inspire the next generation of players who want to be Fijiana players of the future," he stated. "And we can do that with great performances on the field, and that's the responsibility we hold when we go to the World Cup. "The potential for women's rugby in Fiji is enormous, and I think in the future, we could really challenge the top teams in the world with the talent that's available." Samoa is in Pool A with England, Australia and USA. The Manusina will meet the Wallaroos in their opening game on 23 August.
RNZ News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Niue's Sidney Lui re-elected to Oceania Rugby Board, vows to be 'voice' of Tier 3 nations
Sidney Lui, second right, was among the attendees of the Oceania Growth Conference week, taking part in the Tier 1 Rugby and Rugby Rising play-based learning and engaging practical activities, acquiring valuable knowledge to share within their respective unions. Photo: Facebook / Oceania Rugby Tier 3 rugby nations in Oceania will continue to have their voices heard within Oceania Rugby, following the re-election of Niue's Sidney Lui as a Board member of the regional governing body of the sport. Lui was re-elected at Oceania Rugby annual general meeting in Nadi last week. Lui, the secretary-general of the Niue Rugby Union, gets to serve her second consecutive term on the board, reinforcing her role as a key advocate for Tier 3 rugby nations. Speaking to RNZ Pacific, she said she has consistently championed the inclusion, development, and visibility of emerging rugby nations within Oceania's wider strategic priorities. "I was the voice of our Tier 3 nations who are underdeveloped in the game of rugby," she said. "This vote is not just about me, it's about the collective progress of the smaller unions who have so much untapped potential. "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it," Lui said following her re-election. She said he was grateful for the confidence in her leadership, particularly from the Tier 3 unions who have rallied behind her advocacy over the past four years. During her first term, she was instrumental in pushing for inclusive development pathways, capacity building support, and greater boardroom representation for smaller Pacific Island unions, including Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Niue, Tuvalu and Nauru. She expressed her gratitude to the Niue Rugby Union for their continued trust and support. "I humbly acknowledge the President and the Niue Rugby Union for endorsing my candidacy again, and I especially thank the Tier 3 nations for their faith in me," she said. "I'm proud to carry your voices for another four years." The Oceania Rugby board make up has Richard Sapias, Steven Lancaster, Dr Jane Wilson, Taylah Johnson, Kieran Keke, Ant Hearne, 'Aisea Aholelei and Lui. Sydney Lui Photo: Supplied Meanwhile, Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) chief executive 'Aisea Aholelei was also re-elected. 'Aholelei managed to get ahead of candidates from Fiji and Samoa for a seat on the board. He said he was grateful for the support he received to serve on the Oceania board again and was looking forward to having inputs into the development plans for Oceania rugby. "It's good that we have input and insights into what is best implemented for the region as a whole," he said. "And where nations can look for support in development from stakeholders and sponsors." 'Aholelei has been part of Tonga Rugby's alignment with World Rugby systems and structures in the past five years. Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias said the meeting had opened the door to new international partnerships, including a potential French-supported regional competition. "We're excited by the possibility of launching a new competition that the French are keen to support, potentially hosted in Fiji," Sapias said. Fiji and France this week discussed more partnership for rugby between the two countries. Former French international Abdelatif Benazzi, the vice‑president of the French Rugby Federation and chairman of the Six Nations Rugby Championship, was also in Fiji, discussing possible partnerships with Oceania. The meeting in Nadi also presented the opportunity for World Rugby to go through plans for the region. Sapias said the importance of regional collaboration and closer ties with World Rugby is critical for Pacific island unions. He said this would help the unions continue to navigate both opportunities and challenges in player retention, development funding, and local competition structures.
ABC News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
From strangers to sisters: a Rugby commentary journey that gave us more than we knew we needed
Fiji's Taina Basiyalo was one of eight women selected for the recent Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP) – a partnership between Oceania Rugby and ABC International Development – held in conjunction with the Oceania Women's Rugby Union Championship in Sigatoka, Fiji. Taina looks back on her time as part of the Oceania Rugby CAMP and reflects on the unexpected wins she and her fellow participants had. -- - It all began with a deep desire, not just to witness a Rugby World Cup, but to feel the energy and spirit of it all. I wanted to soak in the atmosphere and be part of something that holds so much meaning for women in sport. In November last year, I reached out to ABC International Development's Sally Eeles to ask if the Women in News & Sport program had any plans ahead of the 2025 Women's World Cup, happening in England in August and September 2025. Sally's response gave me exactly what I needed; a sense of reassurance and a spark of hope that this dream might become a reality. A few months later, she shared news of the Rugby CAMP program, a special initiative developed in partnership withSheridan Graham-Tupaea, who leads Women's Rugby Projects for Oceania Rugby. I knew it was something I had to be part of. Out of more than 70 applicants, 20 women were selected to take part in four weeks of online training. From that group, eight of us were chosen to move on to phase two, an in-person training held in Fiji over eight incredible days. 'A story, a skill, a perspective' The full crew group of eight Pacific women in the Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP), Harriet Tuara, Manaini Bulu (Fiji), Kuini Vuli (Fiji), Taina Basiyalo (Fiji), Ebony Finau (Solomon Islands), Jamie Haro (Papua New Guinea), Gabrielle Apelu (Samoa), together with Sheridan Graham-Tupaea (Oceania Rugby), Sally Eeles (ABC International Development) and Rugby Commentator, Rikki Swannell. ( Aaron Kearney ) I remember that first morning so clearly. I was quiet and unsure after meeting the other women, not quite knowing what to expect thinking that this was 'just' another training. But it didn't take long to realise it wasn't/It was something far more meaningful, something life changing. I could see growth happening before my eyes, not just in me, but in each and every woman there. Over those eight days, I learned so much not only from the speakers who shared their knowledge and experience, but from the participants too. Each person brought something unique; a story, a skill, a perspective that enriched the entire journey. Stepping into the world of commentary and having Aaron Kearney guide us was exactly what I needed. His approach was clear, engaging and easy to understand. Then came another highlight: learning from the incredible Rikki Swannell, an internationally-renowned rugby commentator and champion of the women's game. Hearing her story, her challenges and how she began reminded me that you don't have to be perfect to start and that all you need is good preparation ahead of game day. It gave me hope and reaffirmed that passion and growth go hand in hand. Another standout moment for me was learning from Kuini Vuli, one of Fiji's respected referees who now mentors others. Gaining a referee's perspective added so much depth to our commentary training from understanding the field markings to interpreting hand signals and knowing what's coming next. It gave me a foundation I didn't even know I needed. 'A space where I could thrive and do what I love' The group of eight Pacific women in the Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP) include, pictured here (L-R): Manaini Bulu (Fiji), Kuini Vuli (Fiji), Taina Basiyalo (Fiji),Ebony Finau (Solomon Islands), Sheridan Graham-Tupaea (Oceania Rugby), Jamie Haro (Papua New Guinea), Gabrielle Apelu (Samoa) and Noame Rabeni (Fiji Rugby Union). Not pictured here is Cook Islands' Harriet Tuara. ( Harriet Tuara ) For the longest time, even though I knew I had the voice, I struggled to put the right words together. I used to feel like every sentence I said had to be a gold nugget, something Aaron once told me I didn't need to worry about. This training helped me breathe. It showed me that commentary doesn't have to be perfect — it just has to be authentic. I gained the tools to be better, more confident and more effective. The entire experience reignited and deepened my love for rugby. I felt a stronger connection to the sport than ever before. It no longer felt like just work. It became my happy place. A space where I could thrive and do what I love, especially when it came to creating content. Those eight days flew by in the blink of an eye, but their impact will stay with me forever. I came away more eager, more excited and more inspired to pursue commentary. One of my biggest highlights was the content creation session with the amazing Arizona Leger. I stepped onto the field with her advice fresh in my mind, created and shared my content and it took off. It was picked up by ABC Pacific and Rugby Australia and received amazing feedback on Instagram and across social media. Fiji's Taina Basiyalo (centre), receiving her Certificate marking her completition of the Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP), pictured with Sally Eeles (ABC International Developement) and Sheridan Graham-Tupaea (Oceania Rugby) ( Taina Basiyalo ) This journey has been truly transformative for me, especially as a woman working in sports media. But what made it even more meaningful was the bond we formed as women who share the same passion. We exchanged ideas, offered support, shared contacts and lifted each other up. It wasn't just about improving our skills. We built a sisterhood., a connection that goes beyond rugby, one that will last a lifetime. Now, whenever we need updates from our island homes we know exactly who to call.
RNZ News
16-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Fijiana retains Oceania Rugby title
The Fiji women's rugby team retained their Oceania Rugby Women's XV Challenge title with a hard-fought 24-20 victory against Samoa in Sigatoka on Saturday. The win came after Fijiana held on as Manusina mounted pressure in the second half. It was a match that proved to be a thriller in the end, with the hosts coming back into the game late to score a try and claim the win. Fijiana captain Alfreda Fisher expressed pride in her team's performance. "It's been an honor defending our title on home soil," she said. "A big vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much) to the girls. We now look forward to the USA match, which will be great preparation for the World Cup." The Fijians defeated both Pacific rivals - Tonga and Samoa - at the event. Their clash against the USA will be their final warm up to the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. They are in Pool B with Canada, Scotland, Wales. Samoa are also in the World Cup, pooled with England, Australia and USA in Pool A, with matches scheduled between August 22 to September 27. Samoan captain Sui Pauaraisi praised her team's resilience, especially given the emotional challenges they faced: "I'm so proud of our girls," she said. "Every campaign, it's always been a different team-this time we had eight debutants, and they stepped up. We also played for our sisters who lost loved ones-Casey lost her mum, and another lost her dad. That's how connected this team is." A Fiji Rugby Union report stated that the Fijiana XV held off a spirited Samoan fightback to retain their crown. Hooker Bitila Tawake crashed over from a well-executed line-out maul just four minutes into the match, to give the locals a 5-0 lead. Fijiana's Michella Stolz was yellow-carded for an accidental head clash with Samoa's outside centre Drenna Falaniko, leaving Fiji with 14 players for 10 minutes. Despite being a player down, Fiji extended their lead in the 32nd minute when Ema Adivitaloga powered over after a line-out win near Samoa's posts. Luisa Tisolo added the extras, making it 12-5. Just before halftime, Fiji struck again-another stolen line-out allowed Stolz to break free before offloading to Adivitaloga, who completed her brace. Fiji led 17-5 at halftime. Samoa found momentum in the 49th minute when their inside center Faasua Makisi charged-down kick and passed to her outside center Drenna Falaniko to score their second try (17-10). Fresh legs in the Samoan scrum turned the tide, and in the 57th minute, replacement winger Linda Fiafia (jersey 22) showcased her speed and strength, breaking tackles to score in the corner (17-15). Fiji responded swiftly-Repeka Tove pounced on a loose ball from a Samoa scrum in their own 22, kicking ahead and grounding it for Fiji's fourth try. The conversion extended the lead to 24-15. But Samoa refused to surrender. Fiafia struck again in the 71st minute, burning down the wing to narrow the gap to 24-20. However, Fiji's resolute defence in the dying minutes secured their victory.
ABC News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Manusina Samoa primed to reclaim women's Oceania Championship title from Fijiana
Another battle royal can be anticipated in Sigatoka when host nation Fiji lock horns once again with Samoa to decide who will be Oceania Women's Rugby champions for 2025. Two years ago, Manusina got the job done by a single point, but last year it was Fiji who came out on top, beating their arch-rivals 27-13. The two sides have warmed up for what essentially is a grand final by scoring big wins over Tonga, but tomorrow is expected to be a much closer and hard fought encounter. Fresh from running in three tries against the Tongans, Davina Lasini will line up again on the wing again for Manusina, and she says it's hard to separate her team from the Fijians.
