Sotutu among 5 for Fijiana XV coach
Is the father of new All Blacks No.8 Hoskins Sotutu our new Fijiana XVs coach to next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand?
Well, it is understood that former Flying Fijians utility back Waisake Sotutu was among the five shortlisted for the job.
They were interviewed by the selection committee last week.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive John O’ Connor said they have got the person for the job but they must put forward their recommendation to the FRU board.
It is believed that those who were interviewed included current Fijiana XVs coach Ro Alifereti Doviverata, former Flying Fijians head coach Inoke Male, Fijian Drua and Latui head coach Senirusi Seruvakula and Tuvalu national coach Elenoa Kunatuba. She is currently coaching Naitasiri women’s side in the Skipper Cup Premiership competition.
Ro Dovi and Male have been working with the Fijiana XVs squad on their two-match tour to Australia early this year.
They were also guiding the side during the Oceania Championship last year where for the first time the Fijiana booked a spot to the Women’s RWC.
Male coached the Flying Fijians from 2012 to 2014 where they beat the Classic All Blacks and the Pacific Nations Cup. During his tenure as coach, he brought in Nemani Nadolo and switched Nikola Matawalu from halfback to fullback, where he was most lethal. The Suva-born Sotutu is 49 years old and has played for Auckland and the Blues. He has been the Auckland Marist 7s head coach. His connection in NZ especially with Auckland Rugby would come in handy if given the job.
However, the drawback in the current COVID-19 pandemich could affect his coming over.
For Seruvakula, he has been one of the successful local coaches guiding the Drua to win the Australian National Rugby Championship. Ro Dovi was instrumental in rebuilding the Fijiana.
Again, it’s all up to the decisionmakers at Rugby House and whoever they endorse should always get our full support
Ro Alifereti Doviverata