Aussie-born, USA coach Sione Fukofuka admits there’s divided loyalties even in his own household as he tries to guide the Eagles to victory against the Wallaroos in York.
Fukofuka took over the role in 2024, having served as the Australian assistant coach under then-coach Jay Tregonning at the last World Cup in 2022.
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It put him on a collision course with his former side when the draw was revealed last October.
“It was almost like fate, wasn't it?” he told Rugby.com.au from their base in York.
“As soon as we lost to Ireland in WXV1, we dropped a world ranking point, which put us in that framework of being in Pool A. When Australia was named second in the pool, I was like, ‘Well, the chances are pretty high here’
“So it was one of those things that almost felt like it was meant to be them or us.”
But his connection to the Wallaroos runs deeper than his time as coach.
The former Sunnybank coach has been integral to the growth of Women’s Rugby in Queensland, coaching a host of stars, most notably Charlotte Caslick.
Caslick credits Fukofuka for introducing her to the sport at Brisbane State High, which helped her become the superstar she is today.
“[Sione] Fukofuka helped me a lot in my transition to rugby because he used to let me train with the firsts and was always encouraging me,” said Caslick in an interview in 2016.
On top of that, he also coached the likes of Lori Cramer and Georgina Friedrichs in the Queensland Sevens system before their move to the 15s.
“Obviously, as somebody who has coached them, it's really uplifting seeing their rise,” he reflected.
“I'm really proud of the work that they've put in and the recognition that they're getting. As you know, a lot of those players toiled around in the amateur era where they had to sacrifice and give up a lot.
“To see them grow, get opportunities and now be on the world stage, I'm just so happy for all of them.”
“Sione has known a lot of us since we were kids and growing up. He's coached a lot of us, most of us, to be honest,” Cramer added.
“That's the beauty of rugby. You can try and shut down a few people that you think you know what they're going to do, but that just opens it up for someone else. As a full squad, we've got a really polished kind of system going on.”
Fukofuka got a taste of what to expect during the Pacific Four, admitting it was a weird feeling to listen to the national anthem on the other side of the field.
There’s also a matter of convincing his family to adopt their new team, with his oldest’s favourite player is Reds legend and former Wallaroos Ivania Wong.
“My eldest sits there and is still very torn. Some of his favourite players are playing in the Wallaroos. He grew up with them around him," he admits.
“He's trying to have one [jersey] on top, one below. . We're still debating as to which shirt goes on top.”
But regardless of what happens, the coach was proud to see the growth of the Australians even from afar.
“I think Lori mentioned in one of her interviews, two years ago is still a long time ago. So there's been a lot of growth within that group since then.
“It's exciting to see them continue to develop and become those world-class players that they are now.
“There's nothing but respect and admiration for what they've done.”
