Matawalu joins FRU as Development Officer

Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nadroga Rugby Union (NRU) President Tiko Matawalu as a Development Officer for Region 5 which consists of Nadroga, Navosa, Malolo, Yasawa, Nadi and Vatulele.

FRU Chief Executive John O’Connor said “We are glad to have the services of one of our former national representatives and someone who has been heavily involved in provincial rugby.

He added “We are excited for Tiko joining the team at Rugby House and we know that he will be able to have an immediate impact in his region of operation”.

Apart from being a former national rep, Tiko has been serving the Province of Nadroga for some many year and has built relationship which will only enhance the growth of rugby at grassroots level.

Mr O’Connor added “All the RDO’s have three core roles which includes our Participation Programme such as Get Into Rugby and Quick Rip.

“The second core role is Training and Education where he will look into the accreditation of all Coaches, Match Official, Strength and Conditioning trainers plus the medical staff.

He will also be in-charge of the development of women’s rugby in his region” Mr O’Connor explained.

“Mr Matawalu is also a World Rugby Educator and even though he was President of NRU, we have been utilising him over the years when it comes to coaching and clinic especially around the Nadroga/Navosa region.

Mr Matawalu said “I have a big part to play in-terms of educating coaches so that we can develop good coaches and better players.”

“I believe there is time for everything. I have been an administrator for quite some time and also been a player from 2001 to 2011.

I hanged my boots nine years ago and moved to administration side with Nadroga Rugby.

With this current development taking place in rugby in Fiji’s rugby, I think I have the expertise and experience to share in-terms of development in all necessary areas” said Mr Matawalu.

Mr O’Connor added “Mr Matawalu’s engagement is part of the overall Board strategy to attract former national rugby players back to the Rugby House and to contribute to the growth plus development of the game in Fiji.”

“We thank Mr Matawalu for coming on board and we will work closely with him in terms of his transition from the Nadroga Rugby Union” said Mr O’Connor.