Iliesa Tanivula applied for the Telecom Fijiana 7s and 15 head coaching roles which close at the Fiji Rugby Union today.

Yesterday, Tanivula was requested by the FRU to take charge of the 7s squad preparing for the Women Sevens Series which starts in Dubai on December 1-2 and the 15s squad preparing for the test against Papua New Guinea next month.

“Yes I applied for the coaching positions for both 7s and 15s,” Tanivula said.

“If you see the job description you need to apply for both positions.

“I’ve been told in the last few weeks to get the programme running and look after both squads.

“An FRU advertisement on the job description of the new coach includes the responsibilities of delivering high performance leadership environment for both the 7s and 15s squad of the national women’s side.”

Tanivula assisted Telecom Fijian coach Englishman Chris Cracknell at the 2016 Rio Olympics in August, after earlier coaching the team himself.

Poor Turnout

Tanivula said despite the poor turnout yesterday, both squads continued their preparations training together.

“We  didn’t have the numbers today so I just let them run together even though the rucks from the 7s is different from the 15s,”he said.

Tanivula added there was a concern about the number of players who should be turning up and is urging the players to show up.

“When we had the 15s trials there were six teams. We selected the players but less than 10 are turning up everyday which is very disappointing,” he said.

Meanwhile, members of the Olympic team who attended the training were Rusila Nagasau, Jioana Sauto, Timaima Ravisa, Lavenia Tinai and captain Ana Maria.

“The rest have returned whereas the others have secured contracts in France like Litia Naiqato and Luisa Tisolo.”

The 15s squad are preparing for the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship against PNG in November.

The championship will be hosted by the FRU in Suva at the ANZ Stadium and the winner will advance to the final Rugby World Cup Asia/Oceania Qualifier event in December in Hong Kong.

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