Go For Higher Standards, Cotter Tell

In an interview with SUNsports, Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter spoke of what he intends to do when he arrives here.

The no-nonsense coach is in New Zealand awaiting for the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to be lifted but he has been liaising with Fiji Rugby Union’s CEO John O’Connor, High Performance general manager Simon Raiwalui and Fijian Drua head coach Senirusi Seruvakula.

This is what Cotter had to say:

SUN: With the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have you been kept updated on the latest developments concerning Fijian Rugby and the competitions?

COTTER: Yes, I have been in regular contact with John O’Connor, Simon Raiwalui and Senirusi Seruvakula. They have kept me informed on all that is happening in Fijian rugby domestically and internationally.

SUN: What are three important things you’ve been discussing with the Fiji Rugby Union, that you want to see implemented when you are here?

COTTER: First of all a complete review was done with myself and the Fiji management, of the last three years including the 2019 world cup.

Three important issues that came up were:

νPerformance is everything and team culture will be a big part of this

νWe need to set high standards on and off the paddock

νTo have a good team culture we need leaders, so developing leaders and role models will be important.

SUN: With the Super Rugby Aotearoa kicking off this weekend, a couple of Fijian players who are eligible to play for Fiji will be playing for their respective clubs.

They are: Chiefs- loosie Pita Gus Sowakula, Kini Naholo; Highlanders- Tevita Nabura, Chris Kuridrani; Hurricanes- Isaia Walker- Leawere; Blues; Emoni Narawa, Alex Hodgman, Hoskins Sotutu; Crusaders (Bye) George Bower, Manasa Mataele.

Which of these players are on your list and have you spoken to them as well?

COTTER: These players have all been spoken of and my dream is that they will all make themselves available to play for the Flying Fijians.SUN: This is probably the first time you’ve coached a Tier 2 rugby team. In Fiji, we’ve limited resources compared to the rugby heavyweights, it’s a mammoth task but have you got what it takes for the job?

COTTER: It’s all about performance and attitude. Fiji has some of the most talented players in the world.

When they come together it shouldn’t be a question of resources but a question of desire and cohesion. I don’t want to start making excuses.

SUN: For the Fiji-based players what should they expect from their Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach?

COTTER: That he’s grumpy and sets high standards

SUN: Sevens rugby is deemed as the national sport, what’s your outlook on sevens rugby?

COTTER: It’s a great way to showcase Fiji’s talent. If we can be the best in the world at sevens, why can’t we be the best in the world at fifteen-a-side? It’s a question of skillset and mindset.

SUN: Former Fijian players who have played for the Wallabies, All Blacks, England and France have expressed their willingness to play for their country but that will depend on the relaxation of the eligibility rules, what’s your view on that?

COTTER: Absolutely, I’m all for it. It would be a massive boost for Fijian rugby to bring these players home again.

I hope World Rugby can see the benefits it would bring to the international game by enabling these players to become available.

It would certainly make my selections more interesting and a little more difficult (laughs).

SUN: As the Flying Fijians head coach what are your plans for the development of the local Fijian coaches?

COTTER: There are some very good, eager and motivated Fijian coaches, and I hope to be able to help them by bringing the experience I have gathered over the years.

And I’m sure I’ll learn something from them as well.

SUN: As we gear towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup, what type of players are you going to focus on and why?

COTTER: Dedicated players that will give 100 percent to their team, their teammates and their country.

SUN: Finally, is your family ready to take on another new challenge of coming to live in Fiji?

COTTER: Yes we are looking forward to the challenge.

Edited by Sereana Salalo

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