Breaking news: Fiji postpones announcing Raiwalui’s replacement while the French coach is supported
The appointment of a new head coach to succeed Simon Raiwalui, whose tenure came to an end following the Rugby World Cup in France, will take some time, the Fiji Rugby Union has announced.
A prior announcement that was supposed to be made this week has been rescheduled while the selection panel continues to evaluate the merits of the shortlist, FRU interim chairman Peter Mazey told the Fiji Sun.
The delay occurs because local media reported that Flying Fijian players stationed in Europe are pressing for Franck Boivert to be included in the final round of selection. Earlier, Fiji High Performance Unit chief Barrie-Jon Mather had stated the process will be completed by this week.
Originally from France, Boivert has lived in Fiji for 27 years. He was the director of coaching for Fiji Rugby before moving to Nadroga Rugby.
The two most anticipated names in the hat were Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne, who led the team to the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs the previous season, and interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula, who advanced to the second round of interviews last week. Frans Ludeke of South Africa and Daryl Gibson of New Zealand are two more coaches associated with the process.
The final selection hasn’t been made yet, according to Mazey, because we’re still examining contracts and other material as well as references for the candidates. We intend to gather and review the material. To make sure the best candidate is chosen, we are not hurrying the process.
“An announcement won’t be made; we were hoping to finish it by the end of the week.“
Throughout the process, Boivert has received support from people like Sailosi Naiteqe Sr., a former head coach of Naitasiri and rugby selector for Fiji 7s, who said, “FRU should give Boivert the position of Flying Fijians head coach.” Boivert worked in Fijian rugby as a technical adviser, coach, development officer, and HPU manager at the club, provincial, and national levels.
Mazey has stated in the past that the chosen individual will be required to live in Fiji full-time and oversee the administration of the high-performance system throughout the islands. Several former instructors who were living overseas have flown in and out of Fiji for training sessions.
