Fiji Rugby Union coaching director Ilivasi Tabua has shot one back at local rugby administrators who had been using the media to air their grievances against the use of expatriates in Fiji Rugby.
Tabua who is in Australia hunting for more expat assistance and simultaneously scouting for inclusions into the Fiji team to the forthcoming internationals.
He said the Fiji rugby public should understand the need to hire expats.
“There has been much talk in the media about the expats coming in to help us. The people of Fiji should understand that rugby is now professional and we need the right people to help us develop and improve,” he said form Sydney this morning.
“These expats have the experience and the knowledge that is needed in this professional era. At the moment Fiji only have six coaches who are certified to coach at top level. We need to educated local administrators and coaches and that is why we need these expats. They are brought into train and educate our own people until such time that we can stand on our own foot and compete internationally. Until then people should understand that the only way forward is to include expats in our development,” the former Fiji and Australia rugby rep said.
“We cannot educate ourselves because we do not have the proper knowledge and access to professional rugby level. If we are to change our marketability, we need these people to come in and tell us and teach us the right way to progress in professional rugby.”
He said more expats will be hired as technical assistance.
“In 1997 there was only one coach and a manager. They almost did everything but these days professional rugby has its team of specialised officials and that is why we need expats to educate us. We need to set a very strong platform for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
Tabua will return on Wednesday before calling for a meeting with his Pacific Rugby Cup coaches who lost their plot in the series on Friday night.
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