1
Former Wales boss Ioan Cunningham appointed Fiji head coach
By Imogen Ainsworth
Ioan Cunningham, previously the head coach of Wales Women, has been appointed head coach of Fijiana XV ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Cunningham led Wales from 2021 to November 2024 when he left by mutual agreement.
His three years in charge included their best finish in 13 years the Women’s Six Nations with their third-place finishes in 2022 and 2023, but they slumped back to sixth in 2024, and recorded only four wins in 11 Tests that year. His tenure also included a World Cup quarter-final in 2022, and their highest-ever world ranking of sixth, as well as a place at the inaugural WXV 1 competition in New Zealand in 2023.
The new appointment will see Cunningham face his former team, who will be coached by Sean Lynn, in Pool B at RWC 2024.
Fiji will play Wales in their final pool match of the tournament at Sandy Park on 6 September. They will also face the current world number two side Canada in their first match on 23 August at the York Community Stadium, followed by Scotland at Salford Community Stadium on 30 August.
RWC 2021 was Fiji’s first-ever appearance in a Women’s Rugby World Cup, and they recorded their first win against South Africa, 21-17.
Cunningham said: “I am very excited to work with this group of athletes and staff. The potential of this group is huge, and I am excited and honoured to be given this opportunity to work with the team and represent Fiji. It is a very important year in women’s rugby, and I look forward to unlocking the talent within this team.”
Fiji Rugby Women’s High Performance Manager Alana Thomas said of their latest appointment: “Ioan is a professional coach who has been in the women’s game for several years. He coached in the northern hemisphere, led the Welsh team to third place in the Six Nations, up to sixth in the world.
“He will bring strong leadership and direction to the team and work to unlock the talent we have in this squad in what is a very exciting year for the Vodafone Fijiana XV with the RWC ahead of us.”
Fiji Rugby Chief Executive Rovereto Nayacalevu added: “We are excited to welcome Ioan to the Fiji Rugby vuvale. His expertise and experience at the international level make him the ideal leader as we prepare for the Rugby World Cup.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Bath Rugby turnover breaks £20m but losses increase
3
Gloucester Rugby accounts reveal £3 million drop in turnover
4
Exeter Chiefs close to revealing new attack and backs coach
5
Latest Comments
The debate was in the context of the Lions squad. Multiple club and national coaches have chosen him (considerably) more often at 7, so there’s enough people fancy he’s good in the role.
The win rates are vitally important for this Lions tour. ‘01/’05/’09 were losses. ‘17 was a draw and ‘21 was a utter disgrace that stained the game. And a loss. They’ve won one test series in 24 years. And just 12 months ago people were worried about how uncompetitive Australia might be. Talk about added pressure.
Farrell is a straight forward, no nonsense type of guy. He’ll probably pick conservatively and with guys in their proven positions. He hasn’t the time for bolters or shock calls. Not with the touring schedule they have.
You haven’t remotely offended me, chief. Not at all.
Go to commentsRanking managers age profile in a different sport is senseless.
Ranking them ‘in-season’ before that particular sports season has concluded is dafter still.
You’ve actually missed that Ferguson is actually a sporting paradox. 23 years at the helm and the bulk of his success was from the mid-later point of his career. It only proves experience is more important than age.
I was being polite in suggesting the comparison was not stable.
Go to comments