John McKee

Fiji Rugby to confirm new National 15’s coach soon

This has been confirmed by the Fiji Sports Commission Chairman, Peter Mazey.

The position has been vacant since the expiry of John McKee’s contract on 31 December 2019.

Mazey says the Commission provides assistance to the Union in terms of the Coach’s pay.

McKee coached the Flying Fijians to the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The team failed to reach the quarterfinals in both competitions.

However, attaining third spot in their pool last year, allows Fiji to solve an automatic qualification to the 2023 RWC.

     

Upset Fiji fans turn on coach John McKee

After losing to Australia last Saturday, Fiji were shocked by an impassioned Uruguay side, who took a 24-12 half-time lead and managed to hold onto a 30-27 win. 

Boasting some world-class players, Fiji were tipped by many to cause some upsets at this year’s RWC with the Wallabies and Wales also in their pool. However, their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals now look very slim. 

Flying Fijians settling in well ahead of Wallabies opener in Japan

The Flying Fijians arrived in Abashiri City over the weekend and got their final intense fitness training session in on Saturday ahead of a rest day on Sunday.

"We really went really hard and intensively one of our last really big physical days before the test match," John McKee said.

Mckee said he was pleased with their preparations for the tournament so far and this final week is all about the Wallabies.

"Just working through our clarity and making sure the players really know our gameplan inside-out," he said.

Fiji Rugby names squad for the Rugby World Cup

The team :

Campese Ma’afu

Eroni Mawi

Peni Ravai

Mesulame Dolokoto

Samuela Matavesi

Ratu Vere Vugakoto

Leeroy Atalifo

Manasa Saulo

Kalivati Tawake

Tevita Cavubati

Leone Nakarawa

Api Ratuniyarawa

Tevita Ratuva

Semi Kunatani

Viliame Mata

Mosese Voka

Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Captain)

Peceli Yato

Frank Lomani

Niko Matawalu

Henry Seniloli

Levani Botia

Jale Vatubua

Ben Volavola

Veriniki Goneva

Filipo Nakosi

Flying Fijians expected to feature new players

Coach John McKee says he will mix his line-up with some senior and experienced players.

“This week you’ll see probably see some players who have never played up until now to now to combine with some who have been playing in the past weeks.” 

The Fiji Times reports that the players are bracing for a fast and physical Pacific rugby rivalry encounter on Saturday in the World Rugby sanctioned tournament.

Fiji has fallen short of retaining the title after their loss to Japan in the first round and a win against Canada in the second round.

Fiji coach John McKee lobbies SANZAAR for Pacific Island inclusion

“It would be great for rugby in this region for a Pacific team to be in either Super Rugby or the Rugby Championship — or both,” McKee told foxsports.com.au.

“I think there will be change around the competitions in the next cycle and there will likely be more of a push for the Rugby Championship to perhaps expand.

“I’m not in any of those talks, but I’d love to see it happen.

“For a country like Fiji it would really be a massive, massive boost to our game and help us improve our international competitiveness.”