FORMER Nadi rugby team head coach Usaia Koroi will guide the Lautoka team this season.
Koroi replaces Ifereimi Rawaqa, whose three-year term has ended.
The Maroons did not have a positive season last year failing to make the top eight in the Skipper Cup competition.
Lautoka Rugby Union secretary Sefa Scholte said the main task was to get Lautoka back to the top and make the Maroons a powerhouse in Fijian rugby again.
“The union has recently chosen a new head coach after releasing the former coaching staff which have served their contractual terms of three years,” he said.
“Usaia Koroi has been chosen and given the task. Koroi succeeds Rawaqa for the 2017 season. The union is thankful to Rawaqa and his team for their contribution from 2014 to 2016.”
Rawaqa does not totally go out of the Lautoka rugby scene as he remains as one of the selectors with former Lautoka and national teammate Viliame Satala, and Kalisito Tunaulu, who is a former Suva coach.
Former rep Niko Qoro and former Fiji 7s trainer, Sireli Bulicokocoko are the others on the new coaching panel.
Scholte said they would officially open their season with a 10s tournament today.
“Team registration is $100 and will also be part of their annual fees,” he said.
The 10s competition will be held at Nadovu grounds. The union’s 15s club competition is expected to start next week.
