Blues Women’s team mentor Willie Walker has been appointed to lead the Fijian Women’s 15s side.
Walker, who has led the Blues Women to three consecutive Super Rugby Aupiki titles in 2024, 2025 and 2026, was announced as the head coach of the Fijiana XV at a news conference in Suva on Tuesday.
The Fiji Rugby Union said Walker has a “proven record of success in New Zealand women’s rugby” and is set to steer the national women’s rugby programme.
Walker is the latest New Zealand rugby mind to take charge of a Fijian side, following former All Blacks assistant coach Brad Mooar’s appointment as Fijian Drua head coach less than a fortnight ago.
“Walker’s appointment will complement the outstanding work that has already been undertaken over the past decade in the growth and development of women’s rugby in Fiji,” Fiji Rugby said in a statement.
“His role will be to build on that strong foundation by contributing to the continued development of a high-performance women’s programme, strengthening coaching pathways, establishing robust systems, and helping create an environment that supports long-term success across all levels of the women’s game.”
In a Facebook post, the Blues said Walker’s influence extended far beyond silverwhare.
“It’s in the culture, the standards, the relationships and the belief that have become the foundation of who we are.”
Speaking on his vision for the team, Walker told local reporters they have “a good plan set up” on the levels they want the Fijiana XV to reach.
“We got good targets and we’ve good to build on the success that has been established over the last few years,” he said.
“Off the back of a reasonable World Cup performance there’s a lot of growth to be had in terms of some technical and tactical knowledge and awareness.
“I think it’s about building those pathways and the depth for Fijiana rugby so we can continue with that success.”
The Fiji national women’s rugby team is currently ranked 13th in the world.
At the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Fijiana XV did not advance past the pool stage after two losses and a win.
They were led by Welshman Ioan Cunningham, who stepped down at the end of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Fijiana XV will host the Springbok Women in a two-Test Series this month under interim head coach Mike Legge.
The first match will be on Saturday, 8 August, at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, while the second match will be on 15 August at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
