BLK Nadroga head coach Esala Nauga is favourite to win the Best Coach of the Year gong during the Fiji Rugby Awards Night at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay  Hotel tomorrow night.

The other nominees are Suva coach Akuila Nasi and his Namosi counterpart Maxwell Hughes

But the former national crack centre tops the list as he has been guiding the champion Nadroga provincial side since 2009.

Last year the Nadroumai, Nadroga native spearheaded the Stallions to defend the Skipper Cup and HFC Farebrother Challenge Series for another season.

He was also awarded the best coach during 2016 Nadroga Rugby Awards Night at the Shangri-La-Fijian Resort last month.

Under his guidance Nadroga won the Farebbrother in 2013, 2014 , 2015 and 2016.

In an earlier interview, Nauga said it’s the team challenge and difficulties that made them stronger every season.

“We faced a lot of difficulties and challenges together but I’m always thankful to the very supportive committee, team management and the province that allow us to build on stronger combination every year,”Nauga said.

“Winning does not come easily as it requires a lot of sacrifice, dedication, hard work and discipline.”

The 49-year old played for Nadroga for 12 years and represented Fiji for six years.

He was assistant coach for five years before he became head coach in 2009.

The other nominees from Nadroga include Tira Weilagi(secondary school player), Nadroga (team of year) and Eremasi Radrodro (player of year-15s).

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj