Oceania Women’s Championship Kicks Off with World Cup and WXV Qualification at Stake
Brisbane, Australia, 24 May 2024 – The Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship gets underway on Friday, with the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and WXV 3 2024 qualification up for grabs.
Defending champions Samoa, led by the prolific Cassie Siataga, will be looking to retain their title after edging Fiji in a close-fought final last year. The Manusina side will face Fijiana in the decisive match on Sunday, 2 June, after taking on Tonga and Papua New Guinea earlier in the tournament.
The team that finishes top of the round-robin standings will secure their place at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. Additionally, due to Samoa’s sixth-place finish in WXV 2 2023, the championship and runner-up will both represent the Oceania region in WXV 3 this September and October in Dubai.
“Fiji, the 2022 Oceania champions, will kickstart their campaign to regain the title and book their spot at a second consecutive World Cup when they face Tonga on Friday at 17:30 local time (GMT+10). Despite the significant ranking gap, Fijiana’s new coach Mosese Rauluni is not underestimating the challenge posed by their opponents.”
In the other opening-day clash, Samoa will begin the defense of their Oceania crown against Papua New Guinea at 19:30 local time. The champions have dominated this fixture in the past, but an upset victory for Papua New Guinea could see them make a significant leap in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings.
The Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship promises to be a thrilling affair, with the top teams battling it out for a place at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the prestigious WXV 3 tournament. Fans can follow the action live as the tournament unfolds at Sunnybank Rugby Club in Brisbane.
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