The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is preparing to announce the new head coaches for the Fijiana 7s and 15s teams within this week, as confirmed by FRU CEO Rovereto Nayacalevu. This announcement comes after offers were extended to various interested candidates, with responses currently awaited.
Among the notable contenders is famed rugby sevens legend Waisale Serevi, who has expressed interest in the Fijiana 7s coaching position after previously coaching the Indian Women’s 7s team. Former Fijiana player Sireli Bobo is also considered a candidate for the roles. Nayacalevu has, however, refrained from naming other applicants.
In a positive move for youth development, Serevi is set to collaborate with Bobo and the Fiji Sports Council coaching team to aid in the preparations of the Under-20 7s squad. This partnership promises to enrich the experience and skills of younger players in Fiji’s rugby ecosystem. Recently, Serevi was appointed as the International Brand Ambassador for Aqua Pacific Natural Artesian Water, further highlighting his continued influence in the sport.
The Fijiana 15s head coach position became available following the departure of Mosese Rauluni last October, who had a significant impact on the team, notably leading them to victory in the Oceania Championship and securing qualification for the next Rugby World Cup. Succeeding him presents a challenge due to his impressive legacy, including guiding the Fijiana to their first historic win against Japan.
Similarly, the Fijiana 7s head coach position has been vacant since the conclusion of Saiasi Fuli’s contract after five years of service, during which he successfully led the team to a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
This transitional phase for both teams is expected to lead to enhanced performance and results, as Nayacalevu emphasized the need for strong leadership to drive improvements in the teams. The forthcoming announcements are generating excitement and hope within the rugby community for a bright future for Fijian women’s rugby.
In summary, the selection of new coaches represents a vital opportunity for FRU to build on past successes and continue nurturing talent in Fijian rugby. The anticipation surrounding these announcements reflects a collective optimism among fans and players as the FRU lays the groundwork for future achievements on the international stage.
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