Naihamu shines in World Cup win over Wales

Fijiana XVs second five eight Josivini Naihamu was hailed the star of the side when they upset Wales, 28-25, in their last Pool B match at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. 

They saved the best for their last dance before a 14, 082 sold-out crowd at Sandy Park in Exeter, England. 

The 2025 Drua women’s rookie of the year scored a double as they secured their historic win – Fijiana’s first ever win over a Six Nations team. 

She played 80 minutes, ran 135 metres and made 13 carries and which earned her the Mastercard player of the match after her impressive performance. It was a pleasant surprise for the 21-year-old. 

“I didn’t think I would be the player of the match but I thank God for giving me strength. And to my teammates, well deserved for the win,” she said at the post-match interview. 

“It was a tough week for us, we prepared so well, even though we lost our first two games, but it’s a big win for us today (yesterday) and I thank my teammates.” 

Asked on which of her two tries was important, the Vagadra, Nadroga lass said: “For me the steal at the end was more important, because that is for my teammates and for my country. 

“I’m very proud. We gave our all and we are making our family proud and this is for our family back home. Thank you for waking up at this time (1:45am-Fiji time) back at home to watch us. The win is for you guys.” 

Fijiana lost 65-7 and 29-15 to Canada and Scotland in their first and second match, respectively. 

Head coach Ioan Cunningham said the win against Wales was immense. 

“This is huge.It’s massive for Fiji Rugby and Fijiana,” he said. 

“We set out on this journey to inspire young women and girls to play rugby back at home in Fiji, and I think the team have done that, I’m so proud of them,” he told World Rugby Media. 

“We’ve got an incredible group of athletes and players who can really do special things on the field. My task has been to get that out of them, get them to express themselves and play with no fear, and we showed that today.” 

Cunningham said while the coaching job in Fiji has been challenging, he is grateful to be surrounded by amazing people. 

“Just the spirit they have and the togetherness, it’s awesome, just really proud. This is an awesome platform for Fiji and the team to build upon, and who knows, the next four years they could do something really special.” 

Asked on the Prince of Wales and sevens maestro Waisale Serevi being in attendance and whether he gets star-struck seeing him, Cunningham told World Rugby Media: “I did actually (get star-struck). When I first met him I said “that’s Serevi, the legend” but he’s been great helping us and his daughter playing for us and just having his presence and having him around has been great.” 

An emotional captain Alfreda Fisher added they can only thank God for the victory. 

“We’ve come so far and we’ve worked really hard to be here. I thank the girls for giving their all, I’m really happy. This is more than anything we’ve dreamt of.”