Coaching change explained

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 11 June 2018, 12:00AM

The Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.), Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i, has explained the decision not to re-appoint two Manu Samoa Assistant coaches.

The explanation follows questions from the rugby community when the Manu Samoa coaching staff was named this year without Muliaga Brian Lima and Soifua John Schuster, who were part of the set up last year.

“Muliaga Brian Lima and Soifua John Schuster’s appointments to the Manu Samoa XV’s were only for last year’s Northern Hemisphere Tour,” Faleomavaega told the Samoa Observer.

“Since the N.H.T, both Brian and John were in appointed in February 2018 as Samoa A Coaches to continue their professional development.”

The Chief Executive Officer confirmed that their development is part of the long-term plan to enhance their skill sets.

“S.R.U. in conjunction with World Rugby put in place a structured development programme which will ensure over a period that they gain and enhance their skill sets both tactically and technically as Coaches,” Faleomavaega said. 

“World Rugby and S.R.U. both established and agreed to access experienced Technical Advisors to assist and provide our Head Coach Fuimaono every support he needs for Manu Samoa to qualify for R.W.C.2019.”

Those positions have since been filled, one by Zane Hilton as Assistant Coach. Two Technical Advisors, Todd Dammers and former Wallabies fullback, Chris Latham, have also been acquired for the Pacific Nations Cup campaign.

Manu Samoa kicked off the Pacific Nations Cup against Fiji in Suva where they narrowly lost, 22-24, on Saturday. Tonga is up next this week.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 11 June 2018, 12:00AM

Trending Stories

Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>