Fiji Rugby Announces Ioan Cunningham as New Vodafone Fijiana XV Head Coach

Suva, Fiji – [25/02/25] – Fiji Rakavi Football Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Ioan Cunningham as the new Head Coach of the Vodafone Fijiana XV.

A highly accomplished coach with a wealth of experience in international women’s rugby, Cunningham will lead the Vodafone Fijiana XV to the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England this August.

Cunningham brings a strong understanding of rugby, a professional coaching background, and a clear focus on performance delivery. He has extensive experience in a High Performance environment and is known for for his clear communication style that our RWC campaign program requires and his ability to outline expectations for staff, and his effectiveness in conveying plans and vision.

His strategic capabilities are significant, bringing fresh ideas and depth in planning, along with an understanding of Northern Hemisphere rugby—an advantage given the challenges posed by Six Nations teams.

His leadership qualities position him well to foster community connections while maintaining a strong performance focus, and he remains committed to coach development while growing the team’s overall capability.

Cunningham’s attributes suggest he has the ability to address these broader needs beyond just immediate match results. His professional coaching expertise provides a solid foundation, combining rugby knowledge with a performance-driven approach.

“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,’ said Fiji Rugby Womens High Performance Manager Alana Thomas.

‘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 expressed confidence in Cunningham’s appointment.

“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.”

Coach 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.”

Brief Coaching background:

• 2021-2024 Head Coach of Wales Women
• 2021-2024 Head Coach of Wales U20’s
• 2015 – 2020 Scarlets Forwards Coach
  • 2020 – European Challenge Cup Quarter final (v Toulon)
  • 2018 – Heineken Champions Cup Semi – Final (v Leinster)
  • 2018 – Pro14 Final (v Leinster)

Welcome to the vuvale Coach !