women
international women
Former Hurricanes head coach Pou Fusi Feaunati has been appointed head of women’s rugby by Fiji Rakavi Football Association (FRFU).
The appointment follows growing interest and participation in women’s rugby across Fiji. Currently, 12 teams are competing in the Subrails Marama competition, while 16 teams are participating in the Royal Tea Ranadi tournament.
Feaunati’s role will focus on bridging the pathway from community rugby to the high performance Fijian Sevens and Fijian XV programs.
Feaunati said: “What excites me most about this opportunity is the ability to help shape connected women’s rugby across Fiji, from community and youth rugby to elite international exposure.
“Fiji possesses outstanding talent, passion, athleticism and cultural strength. With aligned systems, athlete support, coach development and performance planning, I believe the FRFU can continue to establish itself as a true world leader in women’s rugby.”
Feaunati brings experience in community, development and high performance rugby. In 2025, he was the head coach of Hurricanes Pou in Super Rugby Aupiki, having previously been an assistant coach.
His previous roles include women and girls leadership 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 in the Manawatu Rugby Union.
As Fiji looks to strengthen its national teams, Feaunati will work with high performance academic staff, provincial and school coaches and community training programs to establish a sustainable women’s rugby pathway.
FRFU High Performance CEO 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 recognize the contribution of players, coaches, schools, provincial unions, families and communities within our rugby ecosystem. But with growth comes responsibility. We must now ensure that the leadership, systems and programs that support our women and girls grow at the same level as the game itself.
“This appointment is not just about one national team or preparing for the next tournament, but connecting the entire women’s rugby journey, from a young girl playing rugby at school, through provincial competitions and development programs to the Fijian 7s and the Vodafone Fijian XV.
“We recognize that there are gaps and challenges that need to be addressed, including stronger pathways, better alignment between programs, continued coach development, appropriate athlete support, clear performance standards and greater accountability.
“Fusi brings experience at various levels of the women’s game. His role will be to help us put those pieces together and establish a high performance environment that is distinctly Fijian, professionally driven and capable of achieving sustainable success.”
