The Ba Rugby Union has officially appointed Ben Tora as the head coach for the upcoming domestic competition, a decision announced by union secretary Gabby Kautoga. Tora takes over the role from former Flying Fijian star winger Vilimoni Delasau, who has transitioned to the position of Ba Rugby ambassador due to ongoing issues with old injuries that limit his participation. Despite stepping back from full coaching duties, Delasau will continue to provide support to the team.
Kautoga confirmed that Tora was selected after a thorough interview process. Additionally, Waisale Tikomailepanoni has been appointed as the new head coach for the Ba women’s rugby team, while Josaia Tuwai will maintain his role as the head coach for the Ba Under-20 team.
In terms of organizational progress, Kautoga shared insights from the recent Special General Meeting, where they laid out plans for the upcoming season. He mentioned that the Ba Rugby Union is prepared with a backup plan for club games should the Fiji Rugby Union move the Skipper Cup schedule to August next year. The union aims to enhance both the level of the game and the administrative processes across clubs. With a planned increase from 32 to 40 clubs next year, Kautoga emphasized the importance of improving administrative practices such as registration and punctuality on game days.
Reflecting on their achievements, Kautoga expressed pride in successfully achieving a top-eight finish this past season, which allowed the team to avoid relegation. Going forward, the goal is to secure a spot in the top five to compete for the Farebrother Trophy.
This transition offers a fresh start for the Ba Rugby Union, marking a new era under Tora’s leadership. The ambitious plans for club expansion and administrative improvements demonstrate a commitment to growing the sport at the grassroots level. As the team prepares to build on its successes, fans and players alike may look forward to a promising and competitive season ahead.
Overall, the Ba Rugby Union appears to be moving in a positive direction, focusing not only on enhancing team performance but also on developing a stronger administrative foundation to support future growth.
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