Renowned rugby coach Sailosi Naiteqe, notable for being the first Fijian to lead the national teams of Poland and Kenya, is optimistic about the performance of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in the upcoming Northern Tour. He believes fans can anticipate a superior level of play from the team, as they boast a dynamic mix of both young talent and seasoned veterans. A particularly valuable aspect of this squad is the inclusion of Drua players, whose experience of playing together for three years is expected to enhance team cohesion.
Naiteqe expressed his confidence that the Flying Fijians can triumph over Northern Hemisphere teams, a feat they have achieved in the past. He remarked that the professional rugby experience represents a turning point for the players, providing them with a significant opportunity to demonstrate their skills.
As a former military personnel and successful coach for Naitasiri Rugby, Naiteqe extended his best wishes to the team, emphasizing, “We wish the boys the best of luck.” He also addressed recent concerns regarding player allowances, expressing hope that the Fiji Rugby Union will adopt better practices to support player welfare. “We’ve moved past that issue, and we hope FRU will change to ensure players are compensated on time, allowing them to concentrate on the game with the right mindset,” he noted.
The Flying Fijians are set to compete against Scotland this Sunday at 5:40 AM. They will also face Wales on November 10, Spain on November 17, and Ireland on November 23.
This outlook from Naiteqe not only reassures fans but also highlights the potential for the Flying Fijians to rise to the occasion, showcasing the strength of Fijian rugby. As the players prepare for these challenging matches, there’s a sense of unity and purpose that may very well inspire them to achieve remarkable results on the international stage.
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