The Fiji Rugby Union says a number of factors led to the decision to sack Flying Fijians coach Inoke Male.
Male was one of five FRU employees to have their contracts terminated on Monday.
He says the reasons for his dismissal do not stack up, having lifted the team from 16th to 11th in the world rankings and winning the Pacific Nations Cup.
The acting CEO of the Fiji Rugby Union, Dr Berlin Kafoa, says on field performance wasn't the only factor.
"Bit of IRB review as well and personal issues - to respect his privacy I will not go futher on that - but the national coach's position will be advertised both locally and internationally. Like I said with the review we are trying to push the FRU to be playing against tier one nations - Wales, France etc - and the board agreed that we needed a coach to take us to the next level, a different kind of coach".
Dr Kafoa says the Fiji Sports Commission has approved a grant to cover the salary of a new coach, the same as what was arranged for sevens head coach Ben Ryan and the Fiji Netball coach.
