Local qualified rugby coaches, recognized as World Rugby Level 3, are set to have an exciting opportunity to work with Tier One teams, according to an announcement made by Fiji Rugby Union interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey.
During a conversation with SUNsports, Mazey shared that more coaches from Fiji are expected to be included in the program in the near future. “These local coaches will get the opportunity to work with tier one rugby teams in the world,” he stated.
This development comes on the heels of Fiji’s women’s rugby sevens coach, Saiasi Fuli, announcing his intention to resign to concentrate on fifteens rugby. Fuli has an impressive coaching resume, having led Suva Rugby to victory in the Skipper Cup and the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy, and served as an assistant coach for the Fijian Drua when they secured the Australia National Rugby Championship in 2018. He subsequently guided the Fiji women’s rugby sevens team to a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, though he faced criticism after their lackluster performance at the Paris Olympics.
Mazey emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for local coaches to learn from established international teams. “One thing we are due in rugby is that to bring out the order for national coaches. That is to allow them (local coaches) to go and understudy with tier-one nations,” he explained.
He also noted that Fiji Rugby has established agreements with various rugby nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and England, and recently secured an agreement with France for local coaches to be able to learn from their counterparts.
“This experience will enable them to learn new tricks,” Mazey added, highlighting the value of continuous learning in coaching. “In life, we always learn, you never get born with a skill. We are hoping that this is a chance for local coaches to learn and later take up the reins as national coaches.”