Fiji Rugby Union

There are reports from relatives emerging that Naevo, had collapsed during recent training sessions and was rushed to the Nadi Hopsital, where he was pronounced dead.

The young rugby player is the son of former Flying Fijian, Api Naevo and nephew of former Fiji 7s and Flying Fijians rep also, Semisi Naevo.

We are still awaiting comments from the FRU.

Fiji are looking for a replacement coach after fellow Kiwi Vern Cotter unexpectedly stepped down in a World Cup year.

Robertson, the power behind the champion Crusaders in recent years, is tipped to finally land the coveted All Blacks job, but his name has been linked to Fiji in an interim role for the World Cup in France in September and October.

Fiji Rugby Union acting chief executive Tevita Tuiloa said they would love to have Robertson as head coach or technical advisor for the Flying Fijians at the World Cup, but it would depend on Robertson’s availability.

Vern Cotter dramatically split ways with the Flying Fijians at the start of the month, just eight months out from the Rugby World Cup in France.

Matters got worse for the union a week later with news that assistant coach Richie Gray was also leaving, saying that he considered he had to exit from ‘an integrity point of view’ after the departure of Cotter.

It’s left Fiji looking for a head coach and now the FRU acting chief executive Tevita Tuiloa has said he has offered the job to Robertson.

Fiji Rugby chairman Humphrey Tawake told a hastily arranged news conference in Suva on Thursday that Cotter’s letter of resignation had been accepted and a new coach will be appointed “in due course.”

Tawake said Cotter had resigned for personal reasons but gave no other details.

In a statement, Cotter expressed regret for his sudden departure.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and coaches I have worked with during my time with the team,” he said.

The Fiji Rugby Union announced on Monday that 2005 Sevens World Cup winner Viliame Satala and two-time Olympian and gold medal winner Jerry Tuwai will be part of a new coaching set-up, with Englishman Ben Gollings.

Satala, known as 'The Stretcher' during his playing days because of his bone-crunching tackles will focus on the forwards, skills and support with talent identification and mentoring of players.

While Tuwai will take on the role of player/coach to develop his coaching.

The Fijiana defeated Great Britain on Saturday night to win the team's first ever Olympic medal.

Coach Saiasi Fuli said women's rugby is not played at primary or secondary school level in Fiji and some of his players have only took up the sport two years ago.

But their success in Tokyo is proving to be the perfect recruitment tool.

"Straight after that bronze medal win I had hundreds of calls from girls in Fiji and Fijians overseas wanting to come and join the Fijiana," he said from Tokyo.

The AGM was due to take place on Saturday in Suva but FRU Chief Executive John O'Connor confirmed it will not go ahead this weekend, after Fiji reported five new community cases of Covid-19 in the past week.

He urged all affiliate unions, management and players to comply with Fiji's Covid-19 restrictions, and to stay home and be safe.

Mr O'Connor said all Fijians should wear masks when they are out and about in public, download the careFIJI app, wash their hands for 20 seconds and maintain physical distancing to help the fight against Covid-19.

The experienced mentor guided the Fijian Drua to the Australian National Rugby Championship title in 2018 and has also coached the Fijian Latui in Global Rapid Rugby and the Fiji Warriors.

Fiji Rugby CEO John O'Connor said Seruvakula had been offered the head coaching role following a tough interview process.

"We have given Senirusi a few days to consider the offer and advise us on his decision, after which the Board and management will consider the next course of action."

Nadolo, who quit test rugby last year, is back in the squad after a successful switch to Leicester proved he was still a defence busting force.

Cotter, who has yet to meet up with his players, selected a squad of 32 players for a camp on 25 October after spending the last while watching videos of European matches while also keeping tabs on those operating in New Zealand, where he has been based during the pandemic.

Added to the logistical problems of ensuring new head coach Vern Cotter can meet up with his players for the first time to prepare for the tournament, there is now doubt over the availability of Olympic Sevens gold medallist Semi Kunatani after he was dropped by new club Castres.

The French Top 14 outfit issued a statement saying: “Castres Olympique regret to announce that Semi Kunatani did not meet the requirements of the regulatory medical examination and as provided for in the regulations of the National Rugby League.