The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is poised to announce new head coaches for the Fijiana 7s and 15s teams this week. This was confirmed by FRU CEO Rovereto Nayacalevu, who indicated that offers have been extended to interested candidates and responses are eagerly awaited.

Among the applicants is the legendary Waisale Serevi, a prominent figure in rugby sevens, who is vying for the Fijiana 7s coaching position after a recent coaching role with the Indian Women’s 7s team. Additionally, former player Sireli Bobo is also under consideration for a coaching role; however, Nayacalevu has withheld the names of all potential candidates.

Serevi’s expected collaboration with Bobo and the Fiji Sports Council coaching team reflects a strategy focused on enhancing the development of the Under-20 7s squad in preparation for upcoming competitions. Furthermore, Serevi was recently named the International Brand Ambassador for Aqua Pacific Natural Artesian Water, underscoring his dedication to the rugby community.

The vacancy for the Fijiana 15s coach arose following the departure of Mosese Rauluni last October. Rauluni was instrumental in leading the team to victory in the Oceania Championship and securing qualification for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, creating significant expectations for his successor.

Similarly, the Fijiana 7s head coach position has remained vacant since the conclusion of Saiasi Fuli’s contract in December after five impactful years during which he led the team to a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Nayacalevu stressed the importance of appointing the best candidates to improve team performance and achieve positive results on the international stage. The forthcoming announcements are thus anticipated to signify a pivotal moment for Fijiana rugby, reflecting the FRU’s commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing the competitive capabilities of both teams.

Overall, there is a sense of optimism within the Fijian rugby community as these changes represent a promising opportunity to build on previous successes and foster the next generation of rugby talent in Fiji. The strategic focus on selecting experienced coaches shows a proactive approach to uplifting women’s rugby, inspiring both current and future players.