“This is huge, it’s massive for Fiji Rugby and Fijiana. We set out on this journey to inspire young women and girls to play rugby back at home in Fiji, and I think the team have done that, I’m so proud of them.” (Ioan Cunningham/Head Coach)
As the quarter finals spots are locked and loaded for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, it also signals the end for some teams for the 2025 World Cup campaign.
As for Fijiana who had come off a close loss to Scotland, they pulled off an amazing performance to get the win over Wales in their last game for the tournament.
Josifini Neihamu bagged two crucial tries and was also instrumental in securing the win with an important steal right at the end.
Neihamu was awarded the Player of the Match award for her efforts.
“It was a tough week for us, we prepared so well, even though we lost our first two games, but it’s a big win for us today and I thank my team mates.” she said.
“I’m very proud, we gave our all today and we are making our family back home proud and today is for our family back home. Thank you for waking up at this time back at home to watch us. The win today is for you guys.”
Fijiana head coach Ioan Cunningham spoke about the team’s preparations leading into the World Cup and what it meant for him and the players.
“This is huge, it’s massive for Fiji Rugby and Fijiana. We set out on this journey to inspire young women and girls to play rugby back at home in Fiji, and I think the team have done that, I’m so proud of them.”
“We’ve got an incredible group of athletes and players who can really do special things on the field. My task has been to get that out of them, get them to express themselves and play with no fear, and we showed that today.”
Cunningham, who coached Wales from 2021 till last year, admits that taking on the role had its challenges, but being able to gain small wins along the way was the highlight for him.
“It’s been challenging, coaching in the heat is hard, but it’s a great place with awesome people and I’m really thankful for how they’ve embraced me and my family as well. I’m just really proud of them” he said.
“Just the spirit they have and the togetherness, it’s awesome, just really proud. This is an awesome platform for Fiji and the team to build upon, and who knows, the next four years they could do something really special.”
