The Ba Rugby Union has named Ben Tora as the new head coach ahead of the upcoming domestic competition, as confirmed by the union’s secretary, Gabby Kautoga. Tora takes over from Vilimoni Delasau, a former Flying Fijian star, who has transitioned to the role of Ba Rugby ambassador but will still support the team despite dealing with persistent injuries that prevent him from fully participating.
Kautoga noted that Tora had gone through a comprehensive selection process before his appointment was made official. Additionally, Waisale Tikomailepanoni has been appointed as the head coach for the Ba women’s rugby team, while Josaia Tuwai continues in his role as head coach for the Ba Under-20 team.
During a recent Special General Meeting, Kautoga discussed Ba Rugby’s contingency plans in case the Fiji Rugby Union decides to move the Skipper Cup competition to August next year. He emphasized the need for improvement within the clubs, including better administration, team registration, and conflict resolution on game days.
The union is also expanding its reach, aiming to grow from 32 to 40 clubs by next year. Kautoga expressed optimism about the progress made so far, stating that while they have achieved significant strides, there is room for growth to enhance their standing over the next three years. The immediate goal for the upcoming season is to secure a spot in the top five within the Skipper Cup competition, building on their current achievement of finishing in the top eight.
This appointment and the plans for expansion reflect a strong commitment to the development of rugby in the region, which should inspire both players and fans. The future looks promising for Ba Rugby as they aim to raise the standards of the sport through improved governance and competitive performance.
Overall, the Ba Rugby Union’s proactive approach to leadership and expansion suggests a positive trajectory for the team and its supporters in the coming years.
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