Ex-Hurricanes Poua coach takes on key Fiji women’s rugby role

Former Hurricanes Poua head coach Fusi Feaunati has been named Head of Women’s Rugby by the Fiji Rakavi Football Union [FRFU].

The appointment follows growing interest and participation in women’s rugby across Fiji. Currently, 12 teams compete in the Subrails Marama competition, while 16 teams participate in the Royal Tea Ranadi tournament.

Feaunati’s role will focus on connecting the pathway from community rugby to the high-performance programmes of the Fijiana Sevens and Fijiana XVs.

Feaunati said: “What excites me most about this opportunity is the ability to help shape a connected women’s rugby pathway across Fiji, from community and youth rugby through to elite international performance.

“Fiji possesses extraordinary talent, passion, athleticism and cultural strength. With aligned systems, athlete support, coach development and performance planning, I believe FRFU can continue to establish itself as a genuine world leader in women’s rugby.”

Feaunati brings experience across community, development and high-performance rugby. In 2025, he was head coach of the Hurricanes Poua in Super Rugby Aupiki, having previously served as an assistant coach.

His previous roles include women and girls lead with the Wellington Rugby Football Union, coaching positions with Wellington Pride in the Farah Palmer Cup, Black Ferns Wellington hub manager with New Zealand Rugby and development roles with Manawatu Rugby Union.

As Fiji looks to strengthen its national teams, Feaunati will work with high-performance academy staff, provincial and school coaches, and community coaching programmes to establish a sustainable women’s rugby pathway.

FRFU General Manager High Performance Naca Cawanibuka said the appointment reflected the need to match the growth of women’s rugby with stronger systems and support:

“Women’s rugby in Fiji has grown tremendously, and we acknowledge the contributions of players, coaches, schools, provincial unions, families and communities within our rugby ecosystem. But growth also brings responsibility. We now have to make sure the leadership, systems and programs supporting our women and girls grow at the same pace as the game itself.

“This appointment is not simply about one national team or preparing for the next tournament. It is about connecting the entire women’s rugby pathway, from the young girl playing rugby at school through provincial competitions and development programmes to Fijiana 7s and the Vodafone Fijiana XV.

“We recognise that there are gaps and challenges to address, including stronger pathways, better alignment between programmes, continued coach development, appropriate athlete support, clear performance standards and greater accountability.

“Fusi brings experience across those different levels of the women’s game. His role will be to help us bring those pieces together and establish a high-performance environment that is distinctly Fijian, professionally driven and capable of delivering sustainable success.”