The build-up of the Flying Fijians preparations for next year’s Rugby World Cup in France has begun.

This was confirmed yesterday by Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor indicating that things should be rolling away when the July Test matches get underway.

The RWC is from September 8 to October 28, 2023.

Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter has settled into the country, last month after the opening of the New Zealand border due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest is Flying Fijians assistant coach Daryl Gibson who has stepped down from being the Bay of Plenty’s Head Coach in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship.

According to Bay of Plenty Rugby, Gibson wasn’t able to commit to the role this year due to work and other rugby commitments which includes assistant coach of the Fiji national team.

“We want to thank Daryl for his contribution and how he helped in developing Mike (Delaney) to take on the head coach role,” says Bay of Plenty CEO, Mike Rogers.

The other Flying Fijians assistant coaches Jason Ryan and Glen Jackson are still tied up with their Super Rugby Pacific duties.

Ryan is the Crusaders forwards coach while Jackson is the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s assistant coach.

The Flying Fijians breakdown coach Richie Gray is based in Europe.

Meanwhile, World Rugby will decide in Dublin today (Fiji time) which countries will host the 2027 and 2031 men’s RWCs.

Australia are favourites to host the 2027 event, while the 2031 edition looks set to go to the United States of America.

Australia, Argentina and Russia all launched bids for the 2027 World Cup back in 2019, before Argentina pulled out in 2020.

And given Russia’s current invasion of Ukraine, the chances of them being awarded hosting rights are slim to zero.

Australia last staged the tournament in 2003, when England beat the Wallabies in the final.

Australia also co-hosted the inaugural 1987 edition with New Zealand.

If awarded the hosting rights for 2031, it will be the first time the USA hosts the Rugby World Cup.

US President Joe Biden has lent his support for their bids but they are still a developing rugby nation and have struggled over recent years.

France is staging the next edition in 2023 when South Africa will defend the title they won in Japan three years ago.

South Africa lost out to France on hosting the 2023 event and since then has been out of the picture to host another one.

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