Mckee Sets 2019 RWC Plan
Members of the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad must prepare themselves physically, mentally and spiritually before they march into camp in July for the Pacific Nations Cup and prepare for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday John McKee believes this will be his major concern building up to the RWC which will be hosted in Japan.
“First and foremost it’s very important for players to work hard outside the assembly so when we come together we can start training immediately.” McKee said. “The pressure is there when we will play some Test rugby in July and also for us to develop our own game for the RWC. “Players are clear on what their individual targets are.” During the end of year Northern Hemisphere tour Fiji lost heavily to Scotland 54-17 at Murrayfield, but rounded off the year in style with a historic 21-14 win over France in Paris,
This was a result that lifted John McKee’s entertainers to eighth spot in the world ranking.
“The November tour has given us some good momentum towards 2019,” he said.
“This is a busy year for us, lot of work to do in preparation outside our camps to make sure when we arrive in July we are really prepared for an intensive preparation to put ourselves in the best position to be successful in the RWC.”
Players scout
McKee has also confirmed opportunities are still open for players who wish to don the white jumper at the RWC.
“I’m always looking across players in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and also our home-based players,” McKee said.
“For local players it’s important that they build up their training and look forward to the Pacific Rugby Challenge in March it’s an important competition for all locally-based players.
“There could be some players who will force their way in. Some are playing in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. I’m keeping a close watch on all these players.”
Team Assembly
“Players will assemble in Fiji in July and we will start our preparation camp.
“The PNC will be played across the end of July into August, our opening match for that is against Japan in Japan and that is an important match for us.
“We return to Fiji for the last two rounds of PNC and then will play Tonga and Samoa again prior to our departure for the RWC.” Japan, Canada, and USA are joining Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa in the 2019 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup tournament from July 27 to August 10.
This is in preparation for the upcoming Rugby World Cup that will be staged in Japan on September 20 to November 2.