FRU mourns the loss of decorated Women’s Coach

The Fiji Rugby Union is mourning the loss of renowned Women’s Coach Elenoa Kunatuba earlier this week.

The late Kunatuba was a valuable contributor to the growth of women’s rugby in the country, having coached teams at both the international and local levels.

Fiji Rugby Operations Manager Sale Sorovaki who worked closely with Kunatuba during her time with the Fiji Rugby Union said Elenoa was a motivated woman who never backed down on a challenge.

“Elenoa had rugby in her blood, from when she became our first ever Women’s Development Officer, she was always hungry for opportunities to help women’s rugby grow,” he said.

Kunatuba joined the Union in early 2011 after a short coaching job with the India Mens 7s team.

She joined as a coach for the Fijiana 7s team who won gold at the New Caledonia Pacific Games.

She was handed the role of Women’s Development Officer and she worked closely with Oceania Rugby on developing the women’s game from the grassroots level.

She held onto the role for three years, which saw the rise of women’s rugby in the country.

Sorovaki said “She continued her coaching career and managed to attain her World Rugby Level 3 Coaching Certificate and to date, she is the most qualified women’s coach in Fiji”

Kunatuba has raised many rugby stars under her leadership, players like Ana Maria Roqica, Rusila Nagasau, Akosita Ravato, Joma Rubuti, Sereima Leweniqila, Pricilla Siata, Lavenia Tinai, and many others.

Kunataba is also the co-founder of Marist Seahawks, a team that has stood out at local 7s competitions.

She also coached Suva, Naitasiri, and Namosi teams in the local women’s 15s competitions.

“She will be greatly missed by everyone who was blessed to have crossed paths with her.”

“We, the Fiji Rugby family offer our sincere condolences to the family, we stand by them in this difficult time and wish them peace during this mourning period,” Sorovaki added.

The FRU will be presenting a i reguregu to the Late Elenoa Kunatuba’s family at her residence in Caubati on Friday.

She will be laid to rest on Tuesday.