1 Jun 2015

Sport: Samoa Rugby Union to appoint new sevens coaches

11:30 am on 1 June 2015

Samoa is on the hunt for a new sevens coach after the rugby union opted not to renew the contracts of head coach, Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua, and his assistant, Galumalemana Rudolf Moors.

Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua.

Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The acting CEO of the Samoa Rugby Union, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea'i, says the board, chaired by the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, made the decision to appoint new mentors following a disappointing season on the world sevens circuit.

"The Union is of the opinion that results haven't been good - we haven't qualified for the Olympics - and at the same time our ranking in the World Series has slipped down to 10th place. The Union has not at this point in time give up hope yet. There's still a chance to qualify for the Olympics - with the the Oceania eliminations going to be held in Auckland in November - so we're looking for a new coach and assistant coach, and we are going through the process at the moment".

Faleomavaega says, for the first time, an independent panel will be in charge of selecting the next head coach.

Outgoing Samoa sevens assistant coach and manager Galumalemana Rudolph Moors.

Outgoing Samoa sevens assistant coach and manager Galumalemana Rudolph Moors. Photo: RNZI / Vinnie Wylie