Sports
World Rugby spin catches Fiji Rugby out
Opinion – World Rugby had basically laid the rule down for the Fiji Rugby Union.
Select Mick Byrne or else.
The statement that came out of Valekau (Rugby House) in Suva on Tuesday afternoon effectively said that – indirectly.
There was no bargaining.
Local boy and former Flying Fijians assistant coach Senirusi Seruvakula was a goner by the time the World Rugby team flew into Suva about three weeks ago.
The Fiji Rugby statement said the following:
- In a meeting convened in Suva between World Rugby representatives Nigel Cass and Simon Raiwalui, Hon Siromi Turaga as Minister for Justice, Hon Jese Saukuru as Minister for Youth and Sports, Fiji Rugby represented by the Board of Trustees and ONOC representative Cathy Wong, it was resolved that it is in the best interests of Fiji Rugby, that Mick Byrne be the Head Coach of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians.
- World Rugby clarified that the FIJI Water Flying Fijians’ performance and ranking at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, has put Fiji in strong position to be part of the Nations Championship competition commencing 2026 through to 2030. It would be detrimental to Fiji’s participation in the Nations Championship, in the 2024 Olympics, in the Super Rugby Pacific, the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the rest of the HSBC SVNS Series in Singapore and beyond, if the best qualified and proven coaches, are not appointed to Fiji’s high-performance national teams.
- The plan for Fiji’s participation, is to be included in a 12-team competition of Tier 1 nations made up of the Six Nations, the SANZAR teams, Japan, and Fiji. The importance of that opportunity to Fiji Rugby, the Fiji Government, and all Fijians, is astronomical. It guarantees engaging in a high-level competition, and potentially hosting 5-6 test matches against Tier 1 Nations each year between 2026 and 2030.
- There exists a massive opportunity for further investment in Fiji’s High-Performance Unit and its programmes by World Rugby, that will enable Fiji to prepare and be part of the Nations Championship. However, World Rugby emphasised that Fiji playing Tier 1 nations on a regular basis as opposed to playing Tier 2 nations will only be a reality if the investment in Fiji Rugby’s High-Performance by World Rugby, is protected through the appointment of the best coaches to coach Fiji’s national teams through a robust, fair, transparent, and independent process.
In layman’s term, what World Rugby told the FRU, government officials and the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) at that Suva meeting is that you select Byrne or you lose all these.
It was direct and well planned out. They dangled the carrots in front of the rabbit and the rabbit had no choice.
Now it is going to be a waiting game. And already questions are being asked by the fans and local Fijian union reps.
Former All Blacks assistant and current Drua coach Mick Byrne has been named the coach of Fiji’s national team. Photo: Photosport
What, then, will happen to Byrne’s job with the Drua?
They have not been consistent in three years – and have always struggled away from home.
The only game the Drua have won away is against Moana Pasifika in 2022 and 2023. This year they were beaten in Melbourne.
Why wasn’t Seruvakula selected? Is there something against qualified local coaches? Was there something that Seruvakula did wrong, which has seen the FRU and World Rugby turn their eyes away from him?
Why is World Rugby deciding for the FRU who should be coach?
Is that a conflict of interest?
Fiji Latui coach Senirusi Seruvakula gearing up for Global Rapid Rugby tournament. Photo: Facebook/ Fiji Rugby
Signs something was wrong
Signs that something was wrong started when Fiji Rugby went dead silent on the appointment.
After having been bubbly and media friendly about the post being advertised, FRU Trustees Board chairman Peter Mazey seems to have lost his tongue on the issue.
The ‘cat got your tongue’ question is one many were asking the FRU hierachy in Suva.
In between that time both Lakapi Samoa (Samoa Rugby) and the Tonga Rugby Union have announced their head national coaches.
Samoa have selected former Manu Samoa captain Mase Mahonri Schwalger.
Schwalger is no stranger to the Pasifika rugby circle and also played for the Highlanders, Hurricanes and the Chiefs in New Zealand.
Tonga have gone for former ‘Ikale Tahi and sevens coach Tevita Tu’ifua.
They have also named another ‘Ikale Tahi Nili Latu as his assistant.
Both the Samoa and Tonga coaching positions were advertised way after Fiji had advertised theirs.
The Samoa and Tonga positions have been given to players who went through the ranks with both union teams.
It aligned with what new World Rugby high performance pathways and player development manager Simon Raiwalui had told the media in Tonga last month.
Former Fiji captain and FRU’s general manager of high performance, Simon Raiwalui, at the launch of the new academy. Photo: Facebook / Fiji Rugby
Raiwalui said then that it would be ideal for Pacific unions to select coaches who were not only professionally and technically qualified but critically, those who understood the local culture and environment.
Interestingly, the Fijian coaching position is not without its own controversies.
“For me being from the Pacific Islands, being Fijian, we have very similar cultures to Tonga and Samoa. It has to be a cultural thing,” Raiwalui said in February.
“There has to be a connection to the people, who we are, what is important to us, our why.
“If you are going ask people to invest in the team you must invest in the people. The players must understand as well. There’s a real cultural fit there. It’s not an easy selection.”
Seruvakula, the local coach that applied, was first overlooked by the selection panel that shortlisted applicants.
He was advised that he was not considered in the morning and then asked to attend the interview the same afternoon.
Then there was the case of Nadroga-based Franck Boivert, who also applied for the position but never received any confirmation that his application was received.
When he queried he was told by Mazey there was never any application received from him.
Mazey confirmed in a press conference on 9 March that World Rugby actually has more power in the selection of the coach based on a tripartite agreement signed last year.
He said the strict agreement had made it hard for them (FRU) to make decisions regarding any appointment for the Fijian national sides.
When World Rugby was asked why it was “interfering” with the selection of the Flying Fijians head coach, this was the response:
- All stakeholders are committed to a strong and stable Fiji Rugby Union reaching its full potential on the world stage. Significant progress has been achieved since the transformative roadmap was agreed in May 2023 to restore good governance structures. This work includes supporting the union’s high performance programmes, which are crucial to the performance of the national teams. Performances at the men’s Rugby World Cup in particular endorse the decisions taken so far, and all parties continue to drive towards a common goal.
Insiders at Rugby House in Suva said there was some disagreement between selecting Seruvakula, who by the laws of Fiji is rightfully deemed to be the coach, and the WR backed Byrne.
The two were the finalists for the top job.
Seruvakula has been given his old job of coaching the Fiji Warriors at the World Rugby Challenge currently on in Samoa.
All three Pasifika national teams have busy commitments this year.
Samoa and Tonga have Test matches against Italy and Spain in July.
Fiji is lined up for a clash against the Barbarians in London before the one-off Test against the All Blacks in San Diego on 20 July.
The three island teams match up against each other in the revamped Pacific Nations Cup, which will see the final stages against Canada, Japan and the United States of America played off in Japan in September.
Interesting indeed to see how things will turn out as three new coaches start mapping their pathways to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
George North of Wales and Vinaya Habosi of Fiji compete to make the catch during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Fiji at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 10, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. Photo: Adam Pretty – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
Fiji and Japan included
Meanwhile, discussions on Fiji and Japan’s inclusion in the The Rugby Championship (the Tri-Nations) has taken another twist.
SANZAR, the organisation that runs the Super Rugby and the Rugby Championships, has confirmed there are still issues that they need to iron out in regards to the two teams being included by 2026.
At the same time they have confirmed discussions also happening on the two teams’ inclusion in a new Nations Championship to be played in the July and November test windows.
This new competition will be separate from The Rugby Championship.
“As I mentioned we are currently in a strategic planning phase for the future of TRC and Super Rugby Pacific and won’t be making any further public statements at this time,” the SANZAR spokesman said.
“However, there is talk about Fiji and Japan being part of the new Nations Championship to be played in the July and November test windows and separate to TRC.
“This will feature matches between the six ‘6 Nations’ teams in the north and six southern hemisphere nations. The six southern teams will be Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa plus two more. This is where debate about Fiji and Japan has been reported in the media.”
At the same time there are plans to also have a women’s competition under the same format by 2026.
Now that would be a big plus for the two unions – Fiji and Japan.
But strict pre-requisites include good financial and transparent union management.
That puts a question mark on the Pacific Island unions.
Unless they get themselves up to par with all aspects of management.
rnz
Tongan powerhouse forward Addin Fonua-Blake scored the winner as the Tonga 13 pipped Toa Samoa 20-18 in their final pool match at the Rugby League World Cup in Sydney on Sunday night.
His try saw Tonga regain their lead in the tough, physical battle after Samoa had led 18-14 seven minutes from the end.
The big forward managed to break the Samoans’ defensive line with ball in hand, and was in the clear to score what would be the winner in the game.
The Tongans managed to survive the late Samoan fight-back in the last four minutes of the game, with winger Sualauvi Fa’alogo stepping on the sideline as he dived to score a late try that was cancelled; and fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow passing the ball forward after a mid-air catch close to the Tongan line.
The result meant both Pacific Island teams are into the semifinals next weekend, with Tonga topping the combined Pool B and C, set to face New Zealand, while Samoa meets Australia.
That also marks the first time both teams have made the final four at a world cup, with Samoa getting into the semis in two consecutive world meets, having made the final in 2022.
And in another history-making moment, the two men’s team will join their women counterparts Fetū Samoa and the Fiji Bulikula in the semifinals, making it four Pacific island teams playing off for the finals across the men and women’s competition.
Fonua-Blake’s fellow co-captain Jason Taumalolo thanked divine intervention and paid tribute to the fans post-match.
“First and foremost I would like to thank the man above for bringing everyone here not just as a celebration of Samoa and Tonga but the game of rugby league,” Taumalolo said.
“From the Tongan point of view, to see the red flags, Samoan flags, this is probably the best game I have been a part of and truly blessed.
“We knew tonight was gonna be a physical game and it was going to be a tough one from the start.”
He said Tonga was a bit slow off the mark, and Samoa “being the electrifying team they have been in the last two games” came out and put points on the board and made it a contest to the last minute.
“Big shout to the Samoan boys for tonight and it was a very tough game. Thank you to all the MMT fans tonight and thank you so much to the Toa Samoa fans for making tonight special.”
Taumalolo said they will reset and move on to New Zealand next weekend.
“Obviously the Kiwis and Australia are the benchmark,” he said.
“Tonight was a tough one and we have a short turnaround, the boys will get some recovery; celebrate tonight with our families and all our countrymen that came out here to support us.”
Samoan co-captain Junior Paulo congratulated Tonga and thanked the fans also for their support.
“First of all I thank all of our fans on both sides. Toa Samoans am sorry we didn’t get the job done, but at the end of the day this is what it’s all about, making both nations’ people proud,” he said.
“It was one of the games where you were looking forward to [it] before the tournament started and at the end of the day big credit to the Tongan boys for turning up tonight.
“We knew it was going to be a tough one but all blessings to both nations.”
Samoa scored four tries to Tonga’s three but the difference was Tonga’s Isaiya Katoa, who kicked all conversions and a penalty to seal the deal.
Samoan kickers Harris Channel-Tavita and Ronald Volkman only managed to successfully convert one try each.
Physical battle
The first half of 40 minutes turned out as everyone expected, a torrid and physical battle, which featured big hits across the field.
Tonga laid the challenge with their Sipi Tau, before Toa Samoa responded with the Sivi Tau in front of the packed-out 29,400-plus crowd at the CommBank Stadium, Sydney.
Amongst the fans was All Black captain Ardie Savea, who is originally from Samoa.
Isaiya Katoa kicked off the battle and Tonga came close twice in the first 17 minutes.
Former New Zealand Kiwi Dallin Watene-Zelezniak stepped on the sideline as he planted the ball across the line in the right corner, before his wing partner Jojo Fifita lost the ball over the line in the left corner.
Two minutes later dummy half Salesi Foketi knocked on over the line as Tonga went on attack again.
But their consistent pressure gave them the opening try in the 27th minute when centre Robert Toia got an offload from Haumole Olakau’atu and stepped inside Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Sualauvi Faalogo to run around behind the posts. Katoa kicked the conversion as the men in red led 6-0.
In the 35th minute Katoa kicked a penalty from inside the 20-metre zone and pushed Tonga to an 8-0 lead.
However, Samoa got one try back in the 38th minute when veteran winger Brian To’o got the loose ball near the Tongan line and dived over, to reduce the scoreline as Tonga led 8-4 at halftime.
Both sides showed brutal power and physicality upfront, with thunderous hits and tackles, raising cheers from fans.
Tonga had co-captains Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo leading them upfront with Foketi, Olakau’atu, Siua Wong, Tyson Frizell, Stefano Utoikamanu, Taniela Paseka, Demitric Vaimauga and Leka Halasima supporting them.
Toa Samoa were led by Junior Paulo, with Benaiah Ioelu, Connelly Lemuelu, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua and Spencer Leniu ably supporting the territorial gains through the middle of the field.
RNZ/ Karoline Tuckey
Close second half
Tonga started the second spell where they had left off at the end of the first, as To’ia was tackled short near the line after their first set of six.
To’ia, who turned down the offer from the Kangaroos to play for them, got to the loose ball after Watene-Zelezniak had caught the high ball from a Katoa bomb near the corner, and tapped it back into the field.
The men from the ‘Friendly Islands’ got the first points in the second 40 in the 47th minute through Jojo Fifita. That came from a scrum near the Samoan 10-metre line, with Katoa combining with veteran Tuimoala Lolohea, who sent a cut-out pass to Fifita, for the winger to run in and score. Katoa’s conversion saw them extend their lead to 14-4.
Samoa got their second try, via To’o again for his second, in the 52nd minute, following a Luai bomb which Critchon collected mid-air and passed it on to Tavita, whose overhead back pass found the unmarked To’o out wide, to stroll in and score.
That try inspired the Samoans into action again with Tabuai-Fidow scoring from a Fa’alogo pass, following another high bomb from Luai that caught the Tongan defence napping – that try reducing the scoreline to 14-12 in favour of Tonga.
But Samoa claimed the lead in the 68th minute after replacement Ronald Volkman rolled over Tongan tacklers on the line to plant the ball, with his conversion giving Samoa an 18-14 lead.
Fonua-Blake got Tonga back in the lead, with Katoa adding the extra two points, with seven minutes remaining.
Samoa attacked twice more, with Fa’alogo stepping on the sideline before scoring in the corner and Tabuai-Fidow passing the ball forward from an aerial catch, but Tonga held on to win the clash.
Mulitalo’s semifinal ban
Meanwhile, Kiwis winger Ronaldo Mulitalo will miss the semifinal clash against Tonga after being hit with a grade 2 careless high tackle charge.
Mulitalo was sent off in the 52nd minute of Saturday’s clash against Fiji after a high tackle on Ronald Philitoga.
The Fijian winger left the field and was ruled out of the rest of the match.
Should Mulitalo enter an early guilty plea he will miss New Zealand’s semi-final but if he fights the charge and is found guilty at the judiciary he will be banned for two games.
Rugby League World Cup media said a two-game ban would rule Mulitalo out of the World Cup final should the Kiwis make it through.
Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham has also been charged, getting a grade 2 striking offence after he threw a punch at Mulitalo after the high shot on Philitoga.
Wakeham’s tournament is already over as Fiji won’t play in the semis, but he is facing a one-game ban should he plead guilty.
rnz
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