Lead Role for Fiji, Cotter
Flying Fijians rugby coach Vern Cotter will take charge of the Barbarians team against England on October 25. The former Scotland head coach will be joined by one his Fiji assistant coaches, former test referee Glen Jackson, for the Quilter Cup clash at Twickenham.
And this will be a perfect time for the Kiwi to blood local players as the ideal dress rehearsal for the Autumn Nations Cup next month. Also it would be an opportunity for players like Semi Kunatani and Leone Nakarawa to get game time for the Baabaas.
“I’m hugely excited and honoured to be taking the reins for the Barbarians’ match against England later this month,” Cotter said.
“It is a big moment to be involved with this famous club. It’s going to be a different experience given the global situation, but it’s important to get international rugby back on track and significant we are able to come together for this fixture.”
The Barbarians have recent history with the Flying Fijians, having been beaten 33-31 by the John McKee-coached side in Twickenham in November last year.
The latest fixture was as originally scheduled for June before being postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The game will be played layed behind closed doors at Twickenham kenham Stadium and will be the first international match at the famous amous ground since the suspenspension of the Six Nations ns in March. Flying Fijians Cotter r will take charge of the team eam for the first time on November er 15 against France in the opening round of the Autumn Nations Cup. p.
Fiji Rugby Union n chairman Conway Beg confirmed nfirmed yesterday that the management team at Rugby House was finalising details ls on travel plans.
“Team at Rugby y House finalizing travel details ails and list should be with you ou before the week ends,” Beg confirmed. The Flying Fijians ijians squad are due to assemble in France on the final weekend of this month. But Cotter and Jackson will now head to the Northern Hemisphere early to fulfill their Barbarians commitments.
“I’m also very pleased to bring Glen into the coaching team and I know the players will enjoying working with him and having him on their side,” joked the 58-year-old Cotter.
“It will be special to be back at Twickenham facing England and even without having fans there, I’m looking forward to the team running out for the Quilter Cup. It’s another important moment in the return international rugby.”
Fijiana XV new coach
Meanwhile, Beg confirmed the Fijiana XV coach will be named soon. “The team at Rugby House are preparing a statement on the issue and should be released soon,”Beg said.
The five shortlisted candidates are former coach Ro Alifereti Doviverata, Senirusi Seruvakula, Inoke Male and Waisake Sotutu.