Rory Best lands international coaching role ahead of Autumn
Rugby NewsWednesday, 20 October 2021 at 11:14
Former Ireland captain Rory Best has been announced as an assistant coach for Fiji’s upcoming Autumn Internationals.
Best has never coached with an international side before, but he has acted as a high performance skills coach with Major League Rugby side Seattle Seawolves, while he has also acted as a mentor for Ulster on occasion before.
Fiji announced their playing squad and coaching staff for their test matches against Spain, Wales and Georgia next month, and explained that only players and coaches based in the northern hemisphere have been included.
The team assembles on the 31st of this month to start their preparations, they then face Spain on the 6th of November in Madrid.
The Flying Fijians will travel to Wales and will face the Dragons on the 14th of November before wrapping up the Northern Hemisphere tour against Georgia six days later. The venue and time is yet to be confirmed.
Flying Fijians 28-member squad:
Loose Head Prop
Peni Ravai
Eroni Mawi
Hooker
Samuel Matavesi
Peniami Narisia
Tight Head Prop
Luke Tagi
Mesake Doge
Leeroy Atalifo
Locks
Tevita Ratuva
Temo Mayanavanua
Albert Tuisue
Leone Nakarawa
Backrow/Lock
Peceli Yato
Johnny Dyer
Backrow
Masivesi Dakuwaqa *
Mesulame Kunavula
Bill Mata
Halfback
Frank Lomani
Nikola Matawalu
Flyhalf
Ben Volavola
Centre/Flyhalf
Vilimoni Botitu *
Center
Levani Botia
Eneriko Buliruarua
Center/Wing
Waisea Nayacalevu
Josua Tuisova
Wing
Eroni Sau
Aminiasi Tuimaba *
Jiuta Wainiqolo *
Wing/Fullback
Seta Tuicuvu
Key: * is for the debutants
Flying Fijians Test Matches:
7th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Spain
Venue: Estadio Central UC, Madrid
Kick Off: 2am
15th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Wales
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick Off: 4.15am
20th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Georgia
Venue: TBC
Kick Off: TBC
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“Would knock ****ing s**t outta ya!” – Joe Marler picks his dream front-row
England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has selected his dream all-time front-row when picking his rugby dream team for Joe.co.uk.
LOOSEHEAD-PROP: Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
- Major teams Blues, Highlanders, North Harbour, New Zealand
- Position Prop
- Caps 118
Marler said: "I think he was a farmer. He epitomised those earthy, no-nonsense values on the rugby field, getting on with the job. The player I looked up to most early in my career."
HOOKER: Rory Best (Ireland)
- Major teams Barbarians, British and Irish Lions, Ireland A, Munster, Ulster, Ireland
- Position Hooker
- Caps 124
Marler said: "Best is hard as nails and a great thrower at the line plus great in the loose. He was pretty underrated in my opinion."
DID YOU KNOW? Best followed his elder brother Simon into rugby, playing alongside him for both province and country.
TIGHTHEAD-PROP: Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
- Major teams Barbarians, Highlanders, Newcastle Falcons, Toulon, New Zealand, New Zealand Maori
- Position Prop
- Caps 45
MARLER SAID: "I played against him when he was at Newcastle and he basically Would knock **ing s**t outta ya for 80 minutes. It was like play against a prop with the fitness levels of a flanker."
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