Manu Samoa coach yet to be appointed

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 19 September 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoa Rugby Union has yet to formerly announce the new Coach of the Manu Samoa contrary to reports of an appointment on social media. 

Yesterday evening, S.R.U. Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i, refused to confirm or deny reports that former Auckland Blues Assistant Coach, Steve Jackson, was among the front runners to replace Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua.

"I have no comment,” said Faleomavaega. “The process is thoroughly being followed through. S.R.U will make an official statement when the process is completed."

Earlier during the day, Faleomavaega explained that the process includes the interviews which have been completed.

“We have yet to submit the recommendation to S.R.U. Board for their review and final decision. So you see, the new Coach has not been selected yet,” he said. 

The coaching position became vacant after the S.R.U. advertised the position after a Board meeting last month. 

In a statement last month, the S.R.U. says the Board has decided to re-advertise the position and with the Manu Samoa securing qualification for the R.W.C. in Japan, the S.R.U. Board deliberated on the best way forward for Manu Samoa to prepare and do well at Rugby World Cup 2019.

Faleomavaega told the Samoa Observer that the Board is not expected to make a decision until sometime next week.

The Chairman Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi is outside of the country. 

“The panelist has already outlined the recommended nominees for the coaching position. However, the final decision lies with the S.R.U. Board and they have yet to set a meeting date and so I’m assuming they will meet sometime next week,” he said.  

He said more than 40 applications were received for the position. 

Faleomavaega declined to comment when he was asked whether the recommended nominee by the panelists was a local.

“Please wait for the Board to finalize, in case anything changes and we are jumping the gun on this matter,” he added.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 19 September 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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