Former Fiji national women’s rugby team head coach Ioan Cunningham is set to take on a new and exciting role as a senior assistant coach for the Scotland Women’s rugby team. This significant move underscores the growing influence of Fiji’s women’s rugby program on the international stage.
Cunningham’s appointment was made public this week as part of an expanded coaching staff under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Sione Fukofuka. Before this transition, Cunningham was instrumental in preparing the Fijiana for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, contributing significantly to the development of the national women’s program.
At the age of 42, Cunningham brings extensive experience to his new position, having previously coached 30 international Test matches with the Wales Women’s team and held a professional role with the Scarlets, where he was part of the coaching team that led them to a Pro 12 title victory. Additionally, his tenure as head coach of the Wales Under-20 men’s team illustrates his diverse coaching background.
Cunningham’s reputation as a high-performance coach has been firmly established through his experiences in both emerging and established rugby nations. David Nucifora, Scotland Rugby’s Performance Director, expressed optimism regarding Cunningham’s impact on the team, highlighting his strong technical skills and deep understanding of international-level demands.
Now based at the Oriam high-performance center in Edinburgh, Cunningham is ready to collaborate closely with Fukofuka and a selected group of players as part of Scotland’s newly centralized women’s program. He has expressed his excitement for this opportunity, noting a personal connection to Scotland through his grandfather, adding an emotional dimension to his new role.
Cunningham’s appointment is also a significant milestone for Fiji, showcasing the quality of coaching talent that has emerged from the Fijiana system. This development reflects the nation’s rising influence in the global women’s rugby arena. Concurrently, the Fiji Rugby Union has announced the opening for applications for the head coach positions of both the Fijiana XV and Fijian Drua Women’s teams, with the deadline for applications set for October 18.
As rugby continues to evolve on the international stage, Cunningham’s journey serves as a testament to the growing potential of women’s rugby worldwide, particularly as it relates to nurturing talent from nations such as Fiji. This positive shift not only highlights opportunities for individual coaches but also emphasizes the importance of developing robust women’s rugby programs globally.