PM: Give Seruvakula time

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has defended the appointment of interim Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula, saying it is too early to judge his performance after two Test matches.

Responding to criticism over the departure of former head coach Mick Byrne and Seruvakula’s appointment, Rabuka said he had always supported the idea of a local coach leading the national rugby side.

“I was informed of the appointment, and we should give the process time,” the former Flying Fijians prop said.

“Let’s see whether the argument that a local coach better understands the players, and the players better understand the coach, proves correct.

“Two Test matches are not enough to judge whether the appointment has been successful. I have always supported having a local coach who understands the nature and psyche of Fijian players.”

The Flying Fijians have reached the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals under local coaches- Ratu Josateki Sovau (1987), Ilivasi Tabua (2007) and Simon Raiwalui (2023).

Rabuka admitted that he was disappointed of the Flying Fijians failure to capitalise on key opportunities during the recent Tests matches against Wales and England.

“There were too many missed opportunities in both matches. I hope those lessons will form part of the team’s preparations going forward,” he added.