Ex-star winger backs Seruvakula to coach Flying Fijians

Legendary Flying Fijians rugby winger Vilimoni Delasau believes this is the best time to have a local head coach for the Flying Fijians (national men’s rugby team).

In an interview with SUNsports yesterday, Delasau said he is backing Senirusi Seruvakula for the Flying Fijians head coach’s job.

“It’s about time for a local to coach the Flying Fijians,” Delasau who is now the Ba rugby head coach said.

“We’ve been saying this from many years that we want to develop our local coaches. When we will use them? How much longer do we need to develop them? Why don’t we give them a chance?

“It’s 2024. Let’s give our local coaches that chance. We can get the technical advisors from overseas to assist them.”

The Flying Fijians have made the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals in 1987, 2007 and 2023.

Senirusi Seruvakula has been called in for an interview with the Fiji Rugby Union. Photo: Ronald Kumar

They had former national reps like Ratu Josateki Sovau, Ilivasi Tabua and Simon Raiwalui as the head coach of those World Cup teams that made the quarterfinals.

Delasau was one of the stars of Fiji’s campaign at the 2007 RWC under head coach Tabua.

The Flying Fijians beat Sir John Kirwan coached- Japan 35-31, Canada 29-16 before upsetting Wales 38-34. They finished second to Australia in the pool. In the quarters the Fijians gave eventual winners South Africa a fright by fighting back to level the scores 20-20 midway into the second half before bowing out 37-20.

Delasau said there are some great former players who have been there and done it for the country.

“They have been coaching and in the system for a long time now and why do we keep pushing them aside? It hurts me to see former players like Seruvakula, Bobo (Sireli) and many others who have proved themselves as a player but not given the chance to coach.

“How much longer will it take? Everything we used to rely on from overseas is here, so it’s time to go local.”

Delasau said the input from World Rugby and Oceania Rugby should be taken seriously.

He said that rugby has developed well in Ba since it used to be known as a football crazy town. Now, he said, there is a shift.

“We have more rugby educators in Fiji and for Ba Rugby we have been assisted by these coaching educators. We have relied on them to visit our clubs and community to create awareness of the game. They do know the development aspect, the knowledge of the game, and the way to play.

“All in all, we have capable players, capable coaches who are here. Why don’t we give them a chance?”

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj