Soward resigns as Fetu Samoa coach ahead of RLWC26

Fetu Samoa are set to be the fourth World Cup team with a new coach at RLWC26 after the departure of Jamie Soward.

Soward, who oversaw the Fetu’s historic qualification for IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026, resigned from the role as he felt a career change and shift in personal priorities would make it difficult to commit to Samoa’s RLWC26 campaign in October and November.

The former St George Illawarra premiership winner and NRLW coach had been in charge of Samoa for three seasons and said he was grateful for the opportunity to coach at international level.

Among the highlights were defeating Tonga and Fiji to qualify for RLWC26 and beating Papua New Guinea to win promotion to the 2025 Pacific Cup against Australia and New Zealand.

“Thank you for the opportunity, the trust and the memories,” Soward said in a Rugby League Samoa statement. “I will always be proud of my association with Rugby League Samoa and my association with the Fetu Samoa program.”

Soward’s departure leaves Samoa searching for a new coach ahead of the World Cup, along with France Women, PNG Orchids and England Men, who last week parted ways with Shaun Wane.

It is understood that the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League and Federation Francaise de Rugby XIII are close to finalising new Women’s coaches after parting company with Tahnie Norris and Romain Maillot late last year.

Rugby League Samoa also plan to announce a new head coach for the Fetu shortly.

“While we are sorry to see Sowie go, we respect his decision and understand the importance of doing what's best for him, his new role and especially his family,” RLS president Ponifasio Vasa said.

“We appreciate all his efforts and work during his tenure, and acknowledge the foundations he and his team paved to ensure the success of the team moving forward."

“One thing that is clear about Sowie, he is very passionate about the game. Once a Fetu, always a Fetu.”

Under Soward, the Fetu rose from 20th in the Women's IRL World Rankings at the end of 2022 to be currently ranked fifth behind Australia, New Zealand, England and France.

Samoa will play the Jillaroos in the opening Women's RLWC26 match at CommBank Stadium on October 16, before meeting Wales on October 23 and England in Wollongong on October 30.