Naca Cawanibuka, a native of Kadavu and a former head coach for strength and conditioning with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, has been appointed as the new general manager of High Performance at the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU). His official start date for this significant role is set for June 9.
Cawanibuka is the third Fijian to take on the position, succeeding Talemo Waqa and Simon Raiwalui. FRU’s acting CEO, Koli Sewabu, expressed gratitude to World Rugby for its support during the selection process and cited the strong pool of local talent as a positive indication for the organization. Sewabu noted, “All four shortlisted candidates had Fijian backgrounds,” emphasizing the homegrown talent now available for leadership roles in the sport.
FRU Chairman John Sanday characterized Cawanibuka’s return as a vital step in the union’s strategy to strengthen local leadership. He stated, “Naca is no stranger to this environment,” and highlighted Cawanibuka’s proven track record in the field, calling it a significant asset in leading the high-performance program, especially with upcoming campaigns in mind, including next year’s autumn tour.
Cawanibuka himself expressed his gratitude and readiness to build upon the foundations laid by his predecessors. He remarked, “Rugby is the heartbeat of our nation. It brings joy, pride, and sometimes disappointment, but it unites us.” His commitment to leveraging local talent and fostering a player-centered approach aligns with the FRU’s ongoing efforts to enhance the performance of both men’s and women’s rugby nationally.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal time for Fiji Rugby, reflecting optimism and a proactive approach towards growth and improvement within the sport. The appointment signifies a renewed hope for addressing historical challenges and building on past successes to harness the rich potential of rugby in Fiji.
Cawanibuka’s qualifications, including a deep background in sports science and high-performance training, suggest that he is well-equipped to lead Fiji Rugby towards greater achievements on both national and international stages. The community is eager to see how his leadership will influence the future of rugby in Fiji and look forward to the enhancements he and the FRU team are set to bring.
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