Fiji Bulikula coach search begins

With less than 74 days to the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC), the hunt is now on for the Fiji Bulikula (national women’s rugby team) head coach’s job.

The position has been advertised after the contract of current head coach Joe Rabele Dakuitoga expired.

FNRL executive chairman Rajesh Singh said the recruitment process would be transparent and open to all eligible applicants, including Rabele.

"We have spoken to Joe and informed him that his contract has come to an end," Singh told SUNsports.

"As part of good governance and transparency, we have to advertise the position and look for the best available candidate."

Mr Singh confirmed that an independent selection committee had been established to oversee the recruitment process.

He said he had voluntarily stepped aside from the selection panel because of his close friendship with Rabele and several other coaches expected to apply.

"I have excused myself because Joe is a good personal friend of mine, and I know a number of the other coaches as well. I don't want anyone to question the integrity of the process, so an independent committee will handle the appointments," he said.

Rabele is one of Fiji's rugby league pioneers and has dedicated more than three decades to the sport as an international player and elite coach.

He guided the Bulikula through the qualifying tournament in Canada, where the side secured its first-ever Rugby League World Cup berth, and has played a significant role in the growth of women's rugby league in Fiji.

Rabele also coached the Fiji Bati to the semi-finals of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup in Sydney, Australia.

Mr Singh acknowledged Rabele's contribution, saying he had assembled a strong coaching team and laid a solid foundation for future success.

"Joe has done a good job. He has built a very good coaching staff around him and they have worked hard with the players," Singh said.

"He can also apply for the head coach's position."

Although Bulikula have already achieved the historic feat of qualifying for the World Cup, Mr Singh believes the side is capable of going even further.

"I have full faith in the Bulikula. I believe they can become a top-three team in the world. I want to give the women's programme 200 per cent support because they have the opportunity to create history for Fiji."

He said increased funding through future rugby league development programmes would help strengthen the women's game and grassroots pathways across the country.