The Fiji Airways Fijiana rugby team is gearing up for a vibrant showing at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament, with head coach Richard Walker encouraging his players to embrace their unique Fijian style of rugby. This will be Walker’s first national assignment, and he aims to harness the inherent flair that Fijian athletes are renowned for.
Walker, who has significant experience coaching women’s rugby, including positions with the USA and Japan’s national teams, emphasized the importance of allowing players to express themselves on the field. He believes that fostering an environment where players can grow individually while having fun is crucial, and he hopes to instill confidence within the team as they prepare for their matches in Pool B against Ireland, France, and Great Britain.
His coaching philosophy is focused on improving team dynamics, especially in defense and attack strategies. Walker observed that improving the team’s ability to commit defenders and move the ball effectively will be key to unleashing their signature playing style. He acknowledged the challenging task ahead, especially following their recent performance where they were runners-up in Vancouver, losing to New Zealand in the Cup final.
Engaging with the Fijiana’s history, Walker expressed admiration for the cultural and passionate nature of Fijian rugby, which he has witnessed firsthand during previous tournaments, such as his experiences as part of the All Blacks environment.
With an optimistic outlook for the future of women’s rugby in Fiji under Walker’s guidance, the Fijiana team is positioned to inspire the next generation of athletes. The combination of Walker’s experience and the team’s innate talent presents a promising opportunity to elevate their performance on the global rugby stage.
As they prepare for the challenge in Hong Kong, the players are encouraged to channel their passion into assured displays, with hopes high for an inspiring tournament that showcases the true essence of Fijian rugby.
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