Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s head coach Richard Walker is dedicated to enhancing the team’s performance as they prepare for the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens. Following a successful outing in Vancouver, Walker aims to refine the players’ skills and introduce new strategies that will lead to success on the global stage.
The team’s journey to Hong Kong began with a convenient direct flight from Nadi, which took approximately 10 hours, giving the athletes time to recover and adjust. Walker remarked on the benefits of this journey, saying, “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 highlighted the importance of keeping the players active and engaged during their transition to a new environment.
As part of their preparations, the squad focused on a blend of defensive drills and offensive strategies, including a scrimmage against Spain. Walker emphasized, “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.”
One of the critical areas Walker is concentrating on is the team’s kickoff strategies. He noted, “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 strong relationships within the team has been essential for Walker, particularly as he has taken on this role following a successful performance in Vancouver. He shared his experience, saying, “The girls were understandably standoffish at first, but they’ve welcomed me into the environment.” Walker is dedicated to creating an open atmosphere where players feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, which is crucial for collaborative development.
This leadership approach is particularly important as the Fijiana team gets ready to face formidable opponents in Hong Kong, including Great Britain, Japan, and France. With Walker’s vast coaching experience, including his success with the USA and Japan women’s rugby teams, there is a strong sense of optimism for the Fijiana 7s as they aspire to excel in the international arena.
The enthusiasm surrounding Walker’s leadership and vision suggests a bright future not only for the team but for women’s rugby in Fiji overall, indicating a growing momentum for the sport.
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