Votua, Ba native Maxwell Hughes looks forward to mapping out a new game to plan for Namosi Rugby as they work toward another successful season this year.

The 41-year-old is amongst the three nominees for the Coach of the Year award for the Fiji Rugby Awards Night set for this Saturday at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Entertainment Centre.

The other two nominees are Akuila Nasi of Suva and Esala Nauga of Nadroga.

“I feel honoured and grateful to be nominated for the coach of the year category,” Hughes said.

“Having this awards night is a great boost for Fiji Rugby especially coaches who have their own goals. So for our work to be recognised, it is a blessing,” Hughes said.

He has been with Namosi Rugby for the past four years. He started as a trainer and has helped elevate Namosi Rugby to the major union in 2012. Before joining Namosi, Hughes was with the champion Nadroga side from 2004-2009 as a trainer assisting Esala Nauga and former Nadroga coach Reverend Joji Rinakama.

Hughes started his rugby career as a player from 1998-2000 he played for the University of the South Pacific (USP) rugby team before he joined Nadi from 2000-2002.

Hughes interest in coaching grew in 2003 as he attended coaching course conducted by former FRU development officer Franck Boivert.

He also involved himself as a trainer with the national teams- Fijian Under-21, Flying Fijians, Fijian Warriors and the Fijian Barbarian from 2004-2006.

The highlight of his coaching career came last year was when Namosi pipped Nadroga 19-18 in one of the major Skipper Cup upsets at Thompson Park, Navua.

“For a young and new team to beat the giant of Fijian rugby is a milestone achievement.

“For me guiding the team on that particular day was one of the highlights of my coaching career,” Hughes said.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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