FIJI Airways Fijiana 7s head coach Richard Walker is committed to elevating the team’s performance as they gear up for the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens. Following a strong showing in Vancouver, Walker is focused on honing the players’ skills and implementing new strategies designed for success on the international stage.
The team’s journey to Hong Kong commenced with a direct 10-hour flight from Nadi, allowing the athletes time to rest and acclimate. Walker noted, “The luxury we had was a direct flight from Nadi to Hong Kong, and it was just around 10 hours. We landed, had a pool session in the afternoon, and then we had a field session the next day.” He emphasized the importance of keeping the players active and engaged in their new environment.
As preparations intensified, the squad engaged in a combination of defensive drills and attacking strategies, including a scrimmage against Spain. Walker detailed, “On Monday, we really began to focus on the details, particularly in the defensive areas. We know the ruck is where we have most turnovers in sevens, so we’ve worked hard on that.”
A key area of focus for Walker is improving their kickoff strategies. He stated, “We’ve been working on our own kickoffs, ensuring we maintain possession more effectively when we kick off. This is a key area we’re focused on going into the Hong Kong tournament.”
Building rapport with the team has been paramount for Walker, especially as he stepped into the role following a successful stint in Vancouver. He reflected on the initial challenges, saying, “The girls were understandably standoffish at first, but they’ve welcomed me into the environment.” Walker is committed to fostering an open atmosphere where players feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feedback, essential for collaborative growth.
This leadership approach is particularly vital as the Fijiana team prepares to face tough adversaries in Hong Kong, including Great Britain, Japan, and France. With Walker’s extensive coaching background, including successes with the USA and Japan women’s rugby teams, the future looks promising for the Fijiana 7s as they aim for a successful international campaign.
The optimism surrounding Walker’s vision and leadership reflects a hopeful future not just for the team, but for women’s rugby in Fiji as a whole.
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