Fiji Rugby Union interim chairman Peter Mazey has hinted that the Flying Fijians head coach will be named by January.

Following this year’s World Cup in France coach Simon Raiwalui stated that he did not wish to extend his contract with FRU.

Raiwalui’s contract ends December 31. He is currently on annual leave.

Mazey said expressions of interests have been sent in even before the head coach position was advertised.

“He (Simon) gave us a full verbal update, he will back next week and I guess he will be giving his full report at that time,” he said.

Asked when the new coach will be named, Mazey said: “It will be by January, we are getting a lot of help.

“There have been a lot of names popping up from places.”

Meanwhile there will be no annual national Under-18 tour to New Zealand this year.

This was confirmed by Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU) president Jone Kanalagi yesterday.

The national under-18 side is a selection of schoolboys from the Deans and Skipper Cup Under-19 competition who were to be playing against New Zealand Under-18 clubs and national side.

“There was no invitation this year from NZ,” Kanalagi said.

“There are talks and discussions though for the Australian school boys to come over next year.”

Last year’s schoolboys’ tour included Fijian Drua’s new signings Philip Baselala and Sikeli Rabitu.

When FRU interim chairman Peter Mazey was asked he said FSSRU was in charge of such.

“Under-18 is under secondary schools, Fiji rugby is the U20’s.”

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj