Tough call
BABER SETS PLAN FOR RUGBY FUTURE
OUTGOING Fiji 7s coach Gareth Baber says he is proud to coach one of the top teams in the world and also being part of the Fijian family.
While the Welshman said it was a challenge for him to coach the Fiji team, he believed his time with the side had also seen him become a better coach.
“It was a challenge for me as a coach to come in and my time in Fiji has certainly moved me as a coach,” Baber said.
Baber has sought early release from his contract and the Fiji Rugby
Union board has accepted and endorsed his request, as such his last day with the FRU will be Tuesday, November 30.
“It has been a tough decision as John (O’Connor) has indicated,” Baber said.
“John and I have communicated on what the future holds for both myself and the 7s program.
“It was always my intention when I came in is to face the challenges in coaching the best sevens team and the best rugby nation in the world.
“I would challenge myself and look at ways that I can do slightly differently.
“Ultimately representing the Fijian nation in a way they have come to expect. I believe it was part of the satisfaction at the end of the Olympics that some of those boys that had come through in a short period of time benefitted massively from what I believe was a good program for them to be involved in.”
Baber thanked everyone who had supported him when he took over the role as coach from Ben Ryan.
“I like to thank everybody who has been on the journey and my family who have been supporting me for the past five years.
“Being the toughest of times, but it was a wonderful time as well. I certainly appreciate the support of the prime minister, the Government itself, the Sports Commission, the Fiji Rugby Union and all the stakeholders in association with FRU, the sponsors, in particular the supporters for making me feel so welcome. Keeping me with my feet on the ground.”