New Zealand Rugby Coaches Here To Help

A coaching team from the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union in New Zealand is in the country with a bid to strengthen relationship with the Fiji Rugby Union by helping to build an overall sturdier game locally.

The team include director of women’s rugby Rodney Gibbs, men’s player development manager James Porter and former All Blacks Tanerau Latimer who was present at the Namaka Public School in Nadi on Monday.

“This is a great initiative through Aquaheat,” Latimer told SUNsports.

“If we can upskill our Pacific brothers including Fiji and it will be good for World Rugby. Where upskilling need to start is right at the grassroot level like this.”

Namaka Public School teacher Romanu Turaganiwai said they are grateful that students are given such tips and as they prepare for the Nadi Rugby district competition.

The programme is being hosted by Aquaheat South Pacific in partnership with FRU and Bay of Plenty coaches carrying out coaching sessions for primary and secondary school students with an investment of around $100,000 towards development of rugby in Fiji.

Aquaheat general manager Anusheel Chandra said, “It’s been almost five years since we set ground in Fiji and it’s time to give back for the support we have received in Fiji. As part of Aquaheat’s attempt to give back to the community, we have selected the platform of rugby, the much-loved sport of this country.

“The foundation of Fiji’s rugby lies in the talents our communities have been producing for the country. Our initiative gives an opportunity to students, coaches and players to gain skills brought in by these visiting coaches”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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