Let's Go Local for Flying Fijians Head Coach

Government supports the concept of a local to be the new head coach of the Flying Fijians. This was the gist of the Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru’s interview with SUNsports on Tuesday night.

Saukuru said Government had met with World Rugby officials last week to discuss the issue of the Flying Fijians head coach.

“We are just finalising on the details of some technical things we need to sort outfrom the government side involving the Flying Fijians head coach,” he said.

“We needed that clarification from World Rugby before we can actually announce the head coach of the Flying Fijians.”

Saukuru said Government supports the idea of a local being appointed as the Flying Fijians coach.

History has proved that local coaches like Ratu Josateki Sovau, Ilivasi Tabua and Simon Raiwalui have taken the Flying Fijians to the 1987, 2007 and 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

Then in 1977 under head coach Ratu Inoke Tabualevu, the Flying Fijians were able to beat the British Lions 25-21 at the Buckhurst Park in Suva. In sevens rugby, it was coach Rupeni Ravonu who guided the Fiji team to win the Rugby World Cup Sevens title for the first time in 1997.

“The decision will depend on the requirement from the Fiji Rugby Union and World Rugby as well,” Saukuru said.

The two out of the four coaches who are known to have been shortlisted are acting Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne.

Fijian Drua and Flying Fijians fullback Ilaisa Droasese doing weight training at the Drua homebase in Legalega, Nadi, on March 25, 2024. Photo: Fijian Drua

“Our boys are really marketable overseas, and we would love to get the best coach for the Flying Fijians.” Saukuru added.

He is hopeful to see the Flying Fijians continue their success from last year’s World Cup.

“I think we just need the co-operation of the people of Fiji to support the person who will take up the role of head coach of the Flying Fijians,” he said.

“We would love to see our team flourish in the future and do better from where we left of from the last Rugby World Cup.”

Fiji Rugby Union interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey had confirmed to SUNsports on Monday that the Flying Fijians head coach would be announced this week.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj