The man who was forced to quit as Wales women’s rugby head coach is likely to be the new Vodafone Fijiana XVs head coach. loan Cunningham was at the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) headquarters on Monday accompanied by High Performance Women’s manager Alana Thomas. Sources at Rugby House, confirmed yesterday that Cunningham was introduced to the staff as the Fijiana XVs head coach. According to BBC report on November 8, last year, Cunningham had resigned as Wales women head coach after a turbulent year on and off the pitch. “The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) said Cunningham left by mutual agreement after three years at the helm. Wales registered only four wins in 11 Tests in 2024, and the governing body has admitted serious failings in the way it handled players’ contract negotiations over the summer,” stated the report. According to the report, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said: “loan has been in charge for the transition of the team from amateur to professional status and led the side to a first ever win over Australia after seeing them finish third in Six Nations and reach WXVl in 2023.” Cunningham, who was involved in player contract talks, led Wales to their best finish in the Six Nations for 13 years and a World Cup quarter-final before this year’s dramatic slump. In a statement to BBC, Cunningham said he was proud of his achievements and believed the team had made “significant progress”. When approached about the appointment Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited board chairman, John Sanday forwarded the questions to the Management and Sub Committee who are in-charge of the selection process. The Management and Sub Committee consisted of FRU chief executive officer Rovereto Nayacalevu, Cathy Wong, Koli Sewabu and board secretary Etu Tuqota. Questions emailed to Nayacalevu and Thomas about the appointment was not answered when this edition went to press last night. Also, SUNsports was reliably informed that Cunningham would be taking over as the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women’s head coach from next year. Cunningham will be tasked to coach the Fijiana XVs to the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which is from August 22- September 27 in England. The Fijians are in Pool B with Canada, Scotland and Wales. Cunningham was the Wales Under- 20 head coach and was the National Academy skills coach. He also was the Scarlets forwards coach from 2015-2020. As a player, Cunningham played at No.8 for Llanelli RFC from 2003-2007. Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj