Replacement hunt on

Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is seeking a temporary replacement for former Flying Fijians assistant coach Aaron Mauger ahead of the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) next month.

Chief executive officer Koli Sewabu told SUNsports yesterday that he was awaiting an update from the Flying Fijians coaching staff before a decision is made.

“We need to check on the availability of some of the names that have been brought forward and once it’s been confirmed then we’ll be able to make an announcement,” Sewabu said.

Sewabu ruled out Fijian Drua head coach Brad Mooar and assistant coach Mike Catt, citing their commitments to the Super Rugby Pacific franchise.

“At this stage, we haven’t considered that, because we know we also respect as the Drua has a lot to be done,” he said.

“We’re awaiting some reports to come through from the management of the Flying Fijians and who they believe is the right fit to come in.

“It’s going to be a temporary announcement purely for PNC reasons to assist our parent coaching team while we go through the process of the advertisement of the Flying Fijians coach and then we’ll see how that takes us over the next couple of months.”

Sewabu said the appointment would take time, with the matter to be discussed at the FRU board meeting on Saturday alongside a review of the Rugby Nations Championship.

“We’re having a board meeting this Saturday where this will be thoroughly discussed,” he said.

“We’ll have a good review of the Nations Championship over the last couple of months.”

Mauger resigned on Sunday citing personal reasons.

Sewabu revealed that the FRU had requested Mauger to remain in his position until after the PNC campaign but was unsuccessful.

“We’ve had some discussions last week, and he mentioned his intention to resign at the moment so that he can focus on his family and business,” he said.

“It’s also at a time where we’re going through this transition with Fiji Rugby in terms of the PNC coming up and the RNC (Rugby Nations Championship) over the next couple of months ahead of us.”

He said managing the transition carefully was important with the PNC and National Championship scheduled within the next few months.

“It’s really important that we manage this time wisely and go through proper process while we’re going through this transition for Fiji rugby,” he said.

Sewabu confirmed the new assistant coach would only be appointed until the end of the PNC while FRU continues its search for the next Flying Fijians head coach.

The PNC will be held in Japan from September 12-19.