Joe in no rush for Fiji top job
ROKOCOKO’S COACHING PLAN
ALL Blacks great Joe Rokocoko is focused on further developing his coaching skills and broadening his knowledge before giving back to Fiji as a potential future Flying Fijians head coach.
The former winger’s name came up when the Fiji Rugby Union was in search of a qualified candidate to take up the Flying Fijians coaching position left vacant by Simon Raiwalui.
Speaking to this newspaper, Rokocoko, who is involved with French club Racing 92 as the backs and skills coach, said he did not apply as it was not his time yet.
“No, I didn’t because I had just re-signed with club Racing 92. The head coach is a big job and like any player you really want to be prepared properly, you don’t want to take it because of the title, because it’s up for grabs,” the former Blues speedster explained.
“When you do a job, you want to do it properly, I’m still a young coach whether it be an assistant role or a skills role why not.
“Now, I’m working alongside Stuart Lancaster who has worked with the likes of England, the big Leicester team, big names from Europe, so I’m learning as much as possible; when I do have the experience of working under different coaches over Europe, I would love to bring it back.”
That timeline is unclear for the French-based Nadi-born legend who won 68 caps for New Zealand between 2003 to 2010 and scored 46 tries.
“I don’t know when that is, whether it be soon or later but as long as I’m doing my best by giving 100 per cent and being well prepared.”
Rokocoko was among the loud supporters of the Flying Fijians during last year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
He rated the 2023 squad as the best Fijian team ever.