Fiji Rugby Confirms Vodafone Fijiana XV Management Team for 2026 Campaign

The Fiji Rugby Union has today announced the management structure for the Vodafone Fijiana XV ahead of a pivotal test window that will see the side face the Wallaroos in Canberra before contesting the Oceania Women’s Series in April 2026.

The appointments mark key milestones in the team’s high-performance pathway toward the 2026 international season and Super W competition, with Fiji Rugby confirming Mike Legge as Interim Head Coach for the March–April campaign.

Legge, who brings previous international coaching experience with the Fijiana, will lead the overall program with a focus on the team’s attacking framework, backs performance and cohesion, match preparation and tactical delivery.

Fiji Rugby High Performance Unit – General Manager, Mr Naca Cawanibuka, stated that Mike’s appointment ensures continuity within the program,” Fiji Rugby.

“His previous experience coaching the Fijiana at international level will be invaluable as we build toward these crucial fixtures,” shared Cawanibuka.

The coaching unit features a blend of experience and specialised expertise. Kele Leawere takes the reins as Forwards Coach, tasked with scrum performance, collision dominance and gain-line success.

Tavaita Rowati joins as Assistant Backs and Skills Coach, focusing on core skill development and backline support, while former Flying Fijians representative Joshua Matavesi assumes responsibility for the team’s defensive system, backs play, and tactical kicking strategy.

Ifereimi Rawaqa rounds out the high-performance team as Lineout Coach, providing campaign support for lineout systems and structures.

The Fijiana’s preparation follows a structured timeline designed to maximise performance outcomes. The squad is currently engaged in a two-week national camp, which will be followed by a one-week Daily Training Environment focus before departing for Australia.

The team will face the Wallaroos in Canberra on 27 March 2026, with test week preparations to be conducted in Australia. Following the fixture, the squad will return to Fiji for a one-week recovery break before entering a two-week national camp ahead of the Oceania Women’s Series in April.

A short transition break will precede the Super W pre-season, with the squad then entering the Super W competition proper.

Fiji Rugby has outlined clear high-performance objectives for the campaign, viewing the upcoming fixtures as critical steps in building international competitiveness and establishing consistency in performance systems.

“The March–April window represents an opportunity to strengthen our depth and combinations while aligning the Fijiana XV program with Fiji Rugby’s long-term goals,” stated Cawanibuka.

The campaign forms part of a broader strategy aimed at progressing toward top-tier global ranking and securing Rugby World Cup qualification targets.

With a clear coaching structure now in place, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will begin preparations immediately for what promises to be a demanding and defining season on the road to international rugby’s highest level.