Final 4 for Flying Fijians Head Coach
“Simon (Raiwalui) showed the team is ready to take the next step in the World Cup. We need somebody who knows what’s like to be in the semifinals or what it takes to get there.
Thursday 01 February 2024 | 11:09
Fiji Rugby Union High Performnce Unit general manager Barrie-Jon Mather at Albert Park, Suva on January 31, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Four applicants have been shortlisted for interview for the Flying Fijians head coach position.
This was confirmed yesterday by Fiji Rugby Union general manager High Performance Unit Barrie-Jon Mather at a workshop at Albert Park, Suva.
The Flying Fijians head coach recruitment was one of Mather’s priority lists following his appointment in October, last year.
Mather indicated that there was a long list of interested coaches.
“We got two to interview on Thursday (today) and two on Friday,” he said.
“Then we will have one or maybe two, for the second round of interviews; if they standout then bring them in to the islands to see the culture and make connections with the unions, Drua, and players so we can check how they are.”
New Flying Fijians High Performance Unit (HPU) general manager. Barrie-Jon (B-J) Mather.
The second round of interview will be held in mid-February.
He added that understanding the Fijian culture was one of the key things they are looking for, for applicants.
“International experience will be the key thing; we’d like somebody who knows what the environment is like and how to be successful.
“Simon (Raiwalui) showed the team is ready to take the next step in the World Cup."
"We need somebody who knows what’s like to be in the semifinals or what it takes to get there."
“Second most important thing is to be culturally fit; how they engage, if it’s a Fijian person then great, if someone from the North Island then they need to be aware of how to engage with the Fijian culture.”
Test Matches
Mather also confirmed that the two Test matches against the Barbarians and All Blacks have been confirmed on June 22 and July 20 respectively.
The details of the venue of the All Blacks Test will be announced today.
“The women will be playing more Test matches than before, with some really good oppositions and will play a number of games in Fiji.
“We will also have four games for the Flying Fijians in the Northern hemisphere in the November window."
"It is really an exciting 15s programme.”
Story by: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
