Fiji is a far cry from Cunningham’s native west Wales and he admits going there was “definitely a culture change”.
“It was great as well, learning a different way of coaching and a different approach towards the game,” he said.
“Also coaching in extreme heat, I hadn’t done that before, like you can’t fall on a tackle bag because it’s too hot, little things like that which you wouldn’t think about in Wales.
“I’ve loved the opportunity to try something different to me and work with a different group of athletes.”
Fiji second row Jade Coates is full of praise for Cunningham, who was told of the coaching opportunity by World Rugby.
“It’s been great having a coach coming into our team who’s really embraced our culture and who we’re so grateful for as a team that he hasn’t tried to change us,” she said.
“It has been cool to embrace a part of his family and his culture too.”
Cunningham admits he has tried his best to learn some of the language.
“Yes I am learning some words. I try to compliment and praise in Fijian,” he said.
“I’m trying my best, but they’re not quite getting the Welsh out of me yet, I’m trying to teach them some Welsh.”
