Former Fijian 7s star aims to take rugby to the next level in his Island through development programme

Former Fijian 7s national rep Viliame Maya is optimistic that competitions in his Island home of Taveuni will rise to another level after the introduction of integrated rugby development courses at the Island for the first time.

Taveuni is Fiji’s third largest Island with 8 villages, situated in the northern part of Fiji.

Maya is one of the many participants from various villages around Taveuni to take up level one coaching course.

Playing rugby on Island in his early childhood, Maya began to ascend with his rugby career as he went on to play international rugby.

Maya was part of the Fijian 7s squad back in 2007 before he secured a contract overseas, he spends almost 15 years playing rugby professionally before returning to his Island 3 years ago to start his own farming business.

Maya sees the introduction of level one coaching course in Taveuni as a perfect opportunity to begin his coaching journey and give back to his Island, where it all began for him.

In terms of rugby coaching, this is one core aspect of the game that’s lacking in Taveuni and Maya believes that the initiative by FRU Development will change this around.

“Coaching is the most important factor in rugby or any other game, it’s like the spine of a team, right coaching leads to successful teams and this is something we need here in Taveuni,” said Maya.

For years Taveuni has produced numerous rugby stars, the most recent one who’s been making headlines internationally is Semi Radradra.

Most players who emerge from the Island are embedded with exceptional rugby talents but are not guided well, and in most cases, these players look for other teams outside of the Island to further their rugby journey.

This is a challenge for Maya as he now set his aim to change this scenario.

“I took up coaching because I want to help our players in Island and form a team that can make an impact in our domestic competition,” Maya added.

“I see this coaching opportunity as a way forward for us, this is the beginning and we will now try to develop our players, keep them in Island and get them much exposure around the country and even abroad.”

“We have the players, we have the fitness, the right mindset, and right passion, but what we need is the perfect guidance (coach) and for that, we’re thankful that FRU Development has provided this pathway for us, and this is something FRU won’t regret.”

All coaching participants in the Island will be assisting their clubs at the Island’s local club games where they’ll be applying coaching fundamentals they’ve learned.

FRU Development team will return to the Island on the 17th of October to review these participants, conduct a refresher course before they’re accredited, and progresses to the next stage. 1