FIJI Water Flying Fijians interim head coach, Senirusi Seruvakula, has revealed how he harnessed the power of the Fiji Rugby Union’s cutting-edge database and Artificial Intelligence platform, the Fiji Rugby Management System (FRMS), to finalise his 32-man squad for the inaugural Rugby Nations Championship.
In a strategic move to select players based on undeniable performance metrics, Seruvakula turned to the FRMS platform for detailed player data that informed his final decisions.
Speaking to TimeSports, Seruvakula shared insights into how the system helped him make a tough call between midfield stars Semi Radradra and Veremi Vakatawa.
“It’s a new software we’ve been using. For example, with Semi Radradra and Veremi Vakatawa, if the selection is tougher, you turn to that,” he explained.
“That’s what decides it. Because you look at the numbers, and numbers don’t lie.”
“Everyone says Vakatawa is playing good rugby, running through the space. But you look at the numbers — how many minutes he has the ball; how many minutes he has passed 20 metres. Those are the little things the software (FRMS) provides.”
Seruvakula also highlighted how the platform justified the inclusion of seasoned campaigners like Levani Botia and Peceli Yato.
“I want players to perform. That’s why they’ve been selected. Performance is my main focus,” he said.
“It’s not about the name. Take Botia and Yato, for example. Despite their age, they’re still playing in the Top 14, week in, week out. They’re performing better than some players in the squad. So, it’s a useful tool for modern coaches now.”
The FRMS represents a leap forward in Fiji rugby management — a sophisticated digital platform designed to boost governance, streamline player registration and welfare, enhance programme delivery, and support data-driven decision-making with transparency and accountability.
This AI-powered innovation was developed in collaboration with French sports technology firm AIA Sports, marking a new era in how Fiji rugby teams prepare and perform on the world stage.
