NEWLY appointed Vodafone Fijiana XV head coach Willie Walker is looking forward to the challenge of guiding Fiji’s women’s national 15s team, believing the side has the talent and potential to compete at the highest level of world rugby.
Walker, who has enjoyed success coaching championship-winning teams and developing players, who have gone on to represent the Black Ferns and sevens rugby at the international stage, says his coaching philosophy has always centred around serving his players and creating an environment where they can succeed.
“For me as a coach, it’s about service and making sure that I do everything I can to make sure that the players get what they need to be successful,” Walker said.
“At the end of the day, that’s where I get my pleasure from, seeing my players succeed.”
Walker brings years of experience working with talented athletes and hopes to share his knowledge to help the Fijiana players continue their growth and make their mark in world rugby.
“I’ve been lucky, I’ve had a really good group of players over the years that have developed into World Cup winners, Black Ferns, multiple Black Ferns and sevens players that have stamped their mark on world rugby,” he said.
“I’m hoping to be able to share some of my knowledge so that our Fijiana girls are in that same step and we just continue to grow and push.”
The new head coach said one of his key priorities would be combining the natural ability of Fijian players with the standards and expectations required at the professional level.
Walker believes Fiji’s rugby talent provides an exciting opportunity, but improving the basics and fundamentals will be crucial to achieving success.
“The potential that this country has in terms of rugby is exciting,” he said.
“I think it’s an exciting thing to have that natural ability to play rugby, play an expansive game, be powerful and strong.”
“If we can fine tune some of that and get some of the fundamentals and basics sorted out, then there’s a really good opportunity to see some pretty quick growth in this game.”
Walker said the challenge of developing the Fijiana XV was one of the biggest attractions of taking up the role, as he looked to build on the team’s progress and help establish Fiji as a stronger force in international women’s rugby.
The Vodafone Fijiana XV will face the Springboks Women this Saturday at 2pm at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
