IT is my hope that the Fiji Rugby Union can take a cue from an excellent initiative taken by its Samoan counterparts.
It is important that the FRU must be very selective in the selection to ensure that the people who come on are those who wish to contribute positively to taking Fiji Rugby forward towards the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
But, as this column highlighted before, it is too late as is, hence a program must be on the move now.
The positive aspect to be glad about is that the fitness testing has begun. A workshop now will be good to address other areas of administration/management, selection, fitness training results, health/medical/physio etc.
APIA (Pacnews) In an innovative step aimed at maximising its preparations for the 2011 RWC Cup in New Zealand, the Samoa Rugby Union invited stakeholders and individuals who have served and contributed to the game over the years, to a Manu Samoa 2011 RWC planning workshop at the High Performance Unit, USP Alafua Campus last month
"The importance of engaging all available avenues possible to optimise our strategic approach over the next two years is crucial," says SRU CEO Sua Peter Schuster, who considers the workshop as a key stepping stone for the Samoa and its preparations moving forward.
"The key was to attain an honest and open exchange from all in attendance, with a view to channel this valuable feedback towards collectively building a successful platform for the Manu Samoa over the next two years."
The SRU Rugby Services manager, Tuala Mathew Vaea, who was tasked with managing the feedback attained from the workshop, commented on the envisaged plan and joined Su'a's praises on the workshop's success.
"The objective was to arrive at an agreed and appropriate consensus on the desired playing style and shape needed by the Manu Samoa, to achieve better success on the field and to accomplish the SRU strategic goals in advancing further up the IRB rankings. Given this concept, we're encouraged with the outcome and overwhelmed by the enthusiastic contribution by everyone. We look at merging all this invaluable feedback into a soluble work plan for analysis and implementation." said Tuala.
The forum was opened by SRU president, Tuiloma Pule Lameko, where attendees were presented with an array of discussion topics and modules ranging from current player assessments and thought on factors contributing to these areas to an analysis discussion focusing on coaching. Administrative management was also discussed, all were eagerly debated.
"In order to attain a more constructive opinion from our stakeholders, it was important to provide as much relative stimuli in context to the current situation of the game in Samoa as well as globally, which not only encompasses the physical properties of Rugby, but an understanding of the administrative dynamics of the sport" says Su'a.
Among the many in attendance was former Manu Samoa player, coach George Meredith, who was elated with the initiative
"This is timely in terms of the RWC in New Zealand virtually around the corner" Muagututia said " It's time to dwell less on issues of past, and focus on moving forward.
"For me, it's about our players recognising the qualities that makes playing for this country special –– pride in your self, your village and God, these are the foundations that has forged the Manu Samoa spirit" Muagututia explains.
The SRU will now look at presenting another planning workshop in the near future.
Su'a finally adds, "This has been of immense benefit to the SRU, and of course the Manu Samoa. We value the feedback of stakeholders and those who have contributed to this great game over the years, and is recognition to all who share a common passion for the Manu Samoa and its pursuits at the Rugby World Cup."
