Vodafone Fijiana XV Up Gears Up for Test Against USA
Vodafone Fijiana XV Head Coach, Ioan Cunningham, has expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation ahead of their historic test match against the USA Women’s Eagles on Saturday, July 19, at Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
The match, which kicks off at 2:05 PM (local time), will serve as a curtain-raiser for the USA vs. England men’s fixture at 5:05 PM. This encounter marks the first-ever meeting between the two nations in women’s rugby and is a crucial step in Fiji’s preparations for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Currently ranked 15th in the world, Fiji faces a tough challenge against the 9th-ranked USA, but Cunningham believes the match will be a vital measuring stick for his team.
The Vodafone Fijiana XV is coming off a thrilling victory in the Oceania Women’s Challenge, where they edged out Samoa in a nail-biting grand final at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. The win has boosted morale, and Cunningham is eager to see how his team performs against higher-ranked opposition.
“This match is a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against a top-tier team like the USA,” said Cunningham. “It’s all part of our build-up towards the World Cup, and we’re treating it with the seriousness it deserves.”
With a 36-member training squad currently based in Nadi, including four Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s stars—Mere Vocevoce, Kelerayani Luvu, Verenaisi Ditavutu, and Ilisapeci Delaiwau—Cunningham has been impressed by the competition within the group.
“The inclusion of the 7s players has been fantastic—they bring speed, power, and experience from the World Series circuit,” he said. “We also have a mix of young talent coming through our High-Performance programs, and the blend is looking promising.”
Fiji has been drawn into Pool B for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, alongside Canada, Scotland, and Wales. The tournament, running from August 22 to September 27, will be a major milestone for the Vodafone Fijiana XV as they aim to make an impact on the global stage.
“We want to showcase Fijian rugby talent to the world,” Cunningham emphasized. “This match against the USA is just the beginning.”
The squad will depart Nadi this Saturday for Washington, D.C., where they will finalize preparations ahead of the test.
Full Squad Breakdown:
Forwards: Loraini Senivutu, Bitila Tawake, Tiana Robanakadavu, Jade Coates, Mereoni Nakesa, Nunia Daunimoala, Salaseini Railumu, Manuqalo Noame Komaitai, Salanieta Nabuli, Selai Naliva, Bulou Wainikiti Vasuturaga, Carletta Yee, Asinate Serevi, Alfreda Fisher, Rusila Nagasau, Lavenia Nauga-Grey, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu, Karalaini Naisewa
Backs: Setaita Railumu, Salanieta Kinita, Mere Vocevoce, Josifini Neihamu, Ema Adivitaloga, Alowesi Nakoci, Kolora Lomani, Kelerayani Luvu, Atelaite Buna, Verenaisi Ditavutu, Luisa Tisolo, Salote Nailolo, Michella’e Stolz, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Repeka Mata, Repeka Tove, Litiana Vueti
With just over a week to go, all eyes will be on the Vodafone Fijiana XV as they aim to make a statement against the USA in their first-ever encounter.