Interview panel
Development manager.
Members of the panel are:
B-J Mather (Fiji Rugby GM High Performance),
Peter Mazey (Fiji National Sports Commission CEO and FRU interim Trustee chairman,
Simon Raiwalui (World Rugby),
Mike McGovern (World Rugby),
Bill Gadolo (High Performance Elite Pathways and Performance Manager),
Rovereto Nayacalevu (Government)
Suva Rugby Union secretary Nemani Tuifagalele told SUNsports yesterday that Fiji Rugby has its own sovereignty to work within the union and should change its structure and not let World Rugby and the High Performance Unit interfere and dictate with their operations. The Suva lawyer indicated that he had emailed Rugby House regarding the Immigration Act provisions that governs employing of an expat as a national coach.
“It would look like that I’m pushing for Seruvakula but not that; after Seruvakula, somebody else will be the victim if we don’t set the record straight now,” he added. Seruvakula was the stand-in coach following Raiwalui’s departure in November, last year. Seruvakula
was the understudy for John McKee and Vern Cotter by the previous FRU management. The first round of interview was online via zoom; if successful the second round of interviews will be in person.
Applicants
Over 20 applicants applied for the Flying Fijians head coach role, which was advertised last December. This was confirmed by FRU High Performance Unit general manager Barrie-Jon Mather on Wednesday.
The four shortlisted applicants were interviewed over the last two days; Mather not disclose any names.
However he indicated that a number of foreign based Fijian coaches applied for the role as well as local
coaches.
It is understood that former Flying Fijians forwards Koli Sewabu and Greg Smith had applied. They are both World Rugby Level 3 coaches.
“We’re still in the middle of the process so I’m not comfortable sharing any details on the make-up of the short list. Happy to discuss the process further once it’s completed,” he said.
“We’re working hard to run a thorough and transparent process to obtain the best candidate for the job, someone who can deliver sustained success for the Flying Fijian programme and develop the game in Fiji.”
Asked if it the top job would be appropriate for a local as one of the key criteria’s of selection was to be culturally fit, Mather said: “Yes,
in an ideal world we’d have an all Fijian shortlist with Fijian coaches who all have experience of the local competition, Super Rugby or the equivalent and International rugby. Cultural fit is vitally important, as is recognition of Fijian coaches.”
The second round of interviews will see one or two finalists be brought over to Fiji (if they’re overseas) to understand the culture and make connections with the unions and Drua, as part of their interview.
Meanwhile, questions sent to FRU acting board chairman Peter Mazey on the recruitment misunderstanding has not been answered when this edition went to press last night.