The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is set to announce the new head coaches for the Fijiana 7s and 15s teams this week. FRU CEO Rovereto Nayacalevu confirmed on Saturday that offers have been made to interested candidates, and the organization is awaiting their replies.
One prominent applicant is Waisale Serevi, a legendary figure in rugby sevens, who has previously coached the Indian Women’s 7s side. Nayacalevu also mentioned former player Sireli Bobo as a potential candidate for the coaching roles but did not disclose other applicants for these important positions. Serevi is expected to join Bobo and the Fiji Sports Council coaching team to assist with the preparations of the Under-20 7’s squad starting today.
In addition, Serevi was recently appointed the International Brand Ambassador for Aqua Pacific Natural Artesian Water, highlighting his ongoing involvement in the rugby community. Nayacalevu expressed a determined intent to find the best coaches for these roles, emphasizing the need to improve performance and produce better results for the teams.
The Fijiana 15s coaching position became vacant after the departure of former head coach Mosese Rauluni last October. Rauluni had a significant impact on the team, leading them to victory in the Oceania Championship and securing qualification for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. His successor will face the challenge of maintaining this legacy, which features notable achievements, including leading the Fijiana to its first win against Japan.
The Fijiana 7s coaching role has been open since the contract of Saiasi Fuli was not renewed after five successful years, during which he coached the team to a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
This transitional period for both teams offers a unique opportunity to fortify leadership and performance strategies that could elevate Fiji’s position in women’s rugby on an international level. The expected announcements this week are anticipated by fans and players, marking a progressive moment in Fijian rugby history.
Overall, these developments reflect the FRU’s commitment to nurturing talent and achieving success in international competitions, which is a hopeful sign for the future of rugby in Fiji. The integration of experienced coaches like Serevi into the youth setup signals a positive direction toward fostering and inspiring the next generation of Fijian rugby players.
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