Suva Rugby calls for transparency in Flying Fijians head coach selection

The largest provincial rugby union is calling on Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) for transparency and honesty around selecting the new head coach for the Flying Fijians, who are set to face the All Blacks in July.

The Fijians are looking to confirm their new mentor soon and RNZ Pacific understands four names have been shortlisted for final interviews, including Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne.

Secretary Nemani Tuifagalele told RNZ Pacific they have confirmed acting head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has received two conflicting emails this week from recruitment agency Global Elite Sports, which had been contracted by the FRU.

Tuifagalele said such action is unacceptable and the FRU coach selection panel must be clean in its dealings.

Other names include former All Black and assistant Flying Fijians coach Dayrl Gibson and South African Frans Ludeke.

Fiji Rugby's High Performance Unit manager Barrie Jon Mather confirmed to local media that four candidates have been shortlisted.

"We have got two to interview on Thursday and two on Friday. We had a very long list, a lot of applicants interested in the role," he told fijivillage.com

"We will try to wrap up everything and get everything sorted out by mid-February so that they can get on the job and make the connections they need."

The Flying Fijians head coach position became vacant after Simon Raiwalui did not seek extension of his contract at the end of December 2023.

RNZ Pacific sources say the selection panel includes Raiwalui, who is now World Rugby High Performance Pathways and Player Development Manager, current FRU Trustees Board chairman Peter Mazey, Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports Rovereto Nayacalevu, FRU Elite Pathway and Performance Manager Bill Gadolo with another World Rugby selector.

The new coach will have a match against the Barbarians in England to prepare for before the All Blacks Test and the Pacific Nations Cup series in July-August.

'Buy your tickets'

On Thursday, New Zealand Rugby confirmed they will play the Flying Fijians in San Diego as part of the Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series on 20 July 20.

The new series will include the All Blacks hosting England (two Tests) and Fiji.

While England will travel to New Zealand for their games, the All Blacks host Fiji in San Diego.

Former national rep and World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, Waisale Serevi, who represented Fiji Rugby at the announcement, said having the game in America will be a big boost for rugby there.

And it will also benefit the FRU, who are also expected to benefit from proceeds from the game.

"First time for the All Blacks to take their home game out of New Zealand and first time to play Fiji in the USA. To all Fijian rugby fans in USA and Canada, buy your tickets tomorrow and come out to support our team."

Serevi, who along with former All Blacks Ma'a Nonu were guests at the launch announcement in San Diego, said having the game in San Diego will give the Fijians in America and Canada the opportunity to watch the team in person, with some having travelled across to the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023.

The former Fijian sevens team captain stated the Flying Fijians deserved the opportunity to play the All Blacks following their performances in 2023.

"We defeated England and Australia and took Wales and France to the wire in 2023 and was the only Tier 2 team to make it to the quarterfinals," he said.

"Thankful to New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks for giving us the opportunity to test ourselves against them."

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said in a statement that they are excited about the Test game.

"It's been a long-held ambition for New Zealand Rugby and part of our wider strategy to increase the visibility and understanding of rugby in North America and to build our brand presence ahead the men's and women's Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 respectively," Robinson said.