Press
release September 23, 2008
Tabua
withdraws from Pacific Islanders Squad
Pacific
Rugby Ltd Chairman, Mr Keni Dakuidreketi, today announced that Ilivasi
Tabua, who was to take the 2008 Pacific Islanders squad to Europe
for their 2008 Tour has stood down as Head Coach.
Ilivasi
cited unforeseen personal circumstances for his decision not to
Tour.
In
announcing the news, Dakuidreketi complimented Tabua.
“It’s
a tribute to Ili for making this decision as I know he was looking
forward to the challenge of coaching the Pacific Islanders side
in Tests against England, France and Italy”.
“The
Tour demanded significant time on the part of the Head Coach and
his back up staff and in the end Ili decided he was not able to
give it his full and total commitment.
Quddus
Fielea, who was to have been the PI’s backline coach, has
now been appointed as Tabua’s replacement.
“Fielea
is the Head Coach of Tonga and no stranger to the pressures of Test
match rugby.
“He
coached the 'Ikale Tahi's’ at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and
is widely regarded as an excellent coach and strategist.
Two
additional appointments for the Tour which starts on November 2nd
were also announced. Former Wallaby backs coach Glen Ella has been
brought in to replace Fielea in his backline role. Ella, who played
four Tests for the Wallabies between 1982 and 1985, has an extensive
coaching background at the fifteen-a-side and seven’s level.
He is currently part of the Fijian High Performance set up.
John
McKee was also appointed to the squad as specialist skills coach.
He has coached extensively in Europe and Australia.
“We
are extremely happy with these appointments as both Glen and John
bring a wealth of experience in coaching and specialist skills”
Dakuidreketi said.
