Coach Baber eager to deliver in 15s

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Gareth Baber. Picture: FT FILE

The Fiji Rugby Union is confident that Gareth Baber will mix in well with the Flying Fijian squad for the three matches on the Northern Hemisphere Tour next month.

Baber has been roped in to hold the Flying Fijians as head coach following the FRU’s decision to prevent the Southern Hemisphere coaching staff and players from travelling given the uncertainty to guarantee their safety in the COVID-19 Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) spots back into their countries.

FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said it was a natural selection with Baber having five years of experience working with the Fijian 7s team.

O’Connor said Baber managed high profile players putting in a plan for the international competitions which achieved positive results.

“While we understand that it will be a challenge for Gareth, we believe he will fit in well with the Fijian players as they prepare for the three Tests. “We are thankful for Gareth to take on the challenge.

His involvement as the head coach will be the final curtain on his five year involvement with FRU.” Last week the FRU and Baber announced that they will be parting ways after the successful defence of the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Baber has since taken up the position of skills and assistant attack coach with professional Scottish club Edinburgh.

The 49-year-old said it was an honour to coach the Flying Fijians.

“I’m fully aware of the expectations for performance in the three games and the opportunity this creates for all concerned.” Baber said.

“I would like to thank the FRU board, FRU CEO O’Connor and FRU high performance general manager Simon Raiwalui for their trust and faith in my abilities.

“I’m determined to pay this back in representing Fiji to the best of my ability.”

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