Flying Fijians squad to be named soon

The Flying Fijians’ 60-member squad for the inaugural Nations Championship is expected to be announced this week after a brief delay caused by changes to the head coach position.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Koli Sewabu said coaching staff and management — including overseas-based members — would meet in the country to finalise plans and select the squad.

“Those (coaches) who are from abroad will gather in the country to discuss their plans for Rugby Nations and select their initial squad.

“Once they complete their due process in terms of contacting the players, and so forth, and then after their meeting next week, they’ll confirm the announcement of the squad.”

Sewabu said there were long-term plans for local coaches to lead the national team, but more capacity building was needed.

“Hopefully in the next five, six years, we get to see more and more local coaches as head of programmes in our national teams.”