Suva Rugby calls for Fiji Rugby Union to appoint Seruvakula

The FMF Suva Rugby Union has called on the Fiji Rugby Union to appoint Senirusi Seruvakula as Head Coach of the Flying Fijians.

The Union says the FRU has already appointed Seruvakula to act and understudy in the position several times - and eligible locals like Seruvakula should not be treated as "caretakers" or "acting" for overseas coaches every time the national body runs into trouble.

Suva Rugby Union chairman Maritino Nemani says blocking and denying locals from taking up the top coaching job is not good for the country's rugby development and growth.

He adds that Seruvakula should be given the same resources and support given to foreign coaches who coach the Flying Fijians, and can be supported by a team of overseas technical advisers and experienced locals.

"We have seen this work before in 1987 with Josateki Sovau and George Simpkin and in 2007 with Ilivasi Tabua supported by Shannon Fraser and Greg Mumm."

"In both cases, Fiji reached the quarterfinals, and in 2023, Seruvakula was Assistant Coach to Simon Raiwalui when Fiji also reached the quarterfinals. Those are the three times in history that Fiji has reached the World Cup quarterfinals."

The SRU says it is aware, and it has been reported in the media, that Seruvakula was the preferred choice to be the coach of the Flying Fijians in 2023 before intervention and pressure led to the appointment of Raiwalui.

"Even though he was Assistant Coach to Raiwalui in 2023, the FRU decided to appoint Mick Byrne as Head Coach in 2024. The Suva Rugby Union spoke out then, after Seruvakula was informed that his application was unsuccessful and he was not shortlisted, only to be later contacted via email by the FRU that he had been shortlisted once again and would be interviewed."

Seruvakula has been the understudy to two former national coaches, John McKee and Vern Cotter, and has been shortlisted and interviewed to coach the Flying Fijians several times.

Suva Rugby is asking: "What else is the Fiji Rugby Union waiting for? Let's have faith in our homegrown."