Ex-star No.8 resigns from Oceania Rugby to launch ‘Backrow Management’
“I’m blessed to represent my country at the highest level and with a loving and supportive family. I have invested in my education, personal and professional growth,” he said.
Thursday 15 February 2024 | 11:02
It was always Koli Sewabu’s goal to return home and be in charge of the Fiji Rugby Union but he feels that this is not the right time.
Settling in Sydney, Australia, he is currently at home for a bigger and better reason; to give back what he has learnt and accomplished to the sport that he loved.
This was the comment of former Flying Fijians No.8 following his resignation as the International Partnership Officer for Oceania Rugby; a post he held since 2022. He was the first Fijian for the position.
Sewabu is set to launch his consultancy company in Fiji, Backrow Management, in a few months’ time.
His consultancy aligns closely with his passion for sports development, action research and high performance which presents an opportunity to contribute his skills and insights in a different capacity.
The Navuso, Naitasiri, native sees this as God’s calling and purpose in his life after years of playing professionally and being a coach and administrator for the sport in various teams and organisation.
“I’m blessed to represent my country at the highest level and with a loving and supportive family. I have invested in my education, personal and professional growth,” he said.
Koli Sewabu
“I have learnt that at the end of the day, it’s not about what I have or even accomplished- it’s about who I’ve influenced to lift up, to get better. It’s about what I’ve given back and I’m running behind schedule. It’s not an easy decision, but faith and belief in my God is at the centre of it all.”
Sewabu holds a Diploma in Travel and Tourism, started a Bachelors in Sport and Exercise programme and later invited to pursue an Executive Masters in Business Administration at Massey University in New Zealand where he graduated in 2014.
The former Ratu Kadavulevu School student is currently pursuing his Post-Grad studies in International Sports Management through the University of London and will complete it at the end of the year where he is doing action research as part of consultancy on player welfare and social entrepreneurship.
Why Backrow Management?
The name Backrow Management is established from his position in rugby, especially his favourite No 8 position.
“This is a key leadership position in rugby that links the forwards and the backs, and with the ability to manage and change decision-making to take advantage of the opportunities presented in front of you,” Sewabu said.
“It requires multiple skill sets and you get the job done by ensuring everyone performs their functional roles with proper guidance, management and leadership.
“That is where I draw the name from- the ability to see things from the front and guide those who are behind you to accomplish the task at hand-hence the name Backrow Management-Changing the Way You Think To Achieve.”
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
