World Rugby will not compromise when it comes to selecting coaches of national teams.
The governing body’s chief executive, Alan Gilpin, said they had been in talks with Fiji Rugby and the Fiji Government to appoint the best possible coach for the Flying Fijians.
While not giving a timeframe, Gilpin said there were a number of factors to consider before getting the appointment done.
“Whether we are talking about men’s 15s, women’s 15s, men’s 7s or women’s 7s, we want Fiji to have the best coaches and to develop great local coaches in Fiji,” Gilpin said during a press conference in Hong Kong yesterday.
He reaffirmed that World Rugby will continue to assist the Fiji Rugby Union, like they have so far.
“We have obviously provided a lot of support over the years not just in funding but support as much as we can from high performance and we will continue to do that.
“Our conversations with Fiji Rugby and the Fiji Government have been about what’s the best framework to make sure Fiji has got the best coaches in the short term and a developing grade which is in the longer term.”
The position of the Flying Fijians coach was made vacant after Simon Raiwalui’s term ended following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The Flying Fijians coach was to be appointed by FRU in mid-February.
The Flying Fijians will take on the All Blacks in a test on July 20.
