Olympian set to miss rest of Rugby World Cup as Fiji confirm change

Fiji have made a significant change to their squad at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, with Paris Olympian Ilisapeci Delaiwau set to leave England after sustaining a hand injury against Canada on Saturday.

Delaiwau was named on the right wing for Fijiana’s opening game at the World Cup, where they came up against the world’s second-ranked side. Canada ran away with a comprehensive 65-7 win, with fullback Julia Schell standing out with a six-try haul.

Kolora Lomani came off the bench as a replacement in the 41^st minute, with Delaiwau leaving the field with an injury. Fiji Rugby have since confirmed Delaiwau has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, with the 25-year-old set to return home to Fiji.

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Repeka Mata will join the team in England shortly, while Fiji continue to prepare for a must-win clash with Scotland at Salford Community Stadium on Saturday. Following the loss to Canada, the Fijians can’t afford another loss in order to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

“We are sad to lose a player of Ilisapeci’s quality and wish her a speedy recovery,” head coach Ioan Cunningham said in a statement.

“We look forward to welcoming Repeka and integrating her into the squad.”

“I am disappointed to miss the rest of the Rugby World Cup campaign but will be Fijiana’s number one supporter as I begin my rehabilitation,” Delaiwau added.

It was a clinic from start to finish from the Canadians last weekend, who kicked off their point-scoring blitz with a Sophie de Goede try in the sixth minute. Gillian Boag, Caroline Crossley and Alysha Corrigan also ran in for first-half tries, with Canada taking a 24-nil lead into the break.

Schell made history with an incredible try-scoring feat on the sport’s biggest stage, crossing for six tries in just 22 minutes. The fullback completed a hat-trick within four minutes, as Canada began their World Cup campaign in style.

Fiji’s sole try was scored by Delaiwau’s replacement Lomani, who scored in the 43^rd minute of the match. But the Fijians have a chance to bounce back, albeit against a confident Scotland side who secured a big win over Wales last time out in Salford.

“Coming onto the second half I felt the energy coming off the girls. The hard work came from the middle with the forwards running and taking it up and they were able to create the space on the outside for us getting the score,” Lomani told reporters this week.

“It’s probably the first try I’ve scored because I normally play scrum-half, where I just deliver the ball, but to be able to go back to my old position on the wing and get that try felt amazing for me.

“Coming out of a tough game it’s always nice to have encouragement from within the team. We’re away from family so to be helpful and encouraging within our group is something that will help us stay together.”