PACIFIC COACHING CAROUSEL

What in the world is happening to Pacific Island rugby? Just a year after the Samoa Rugby Union (SRU) announced that Tuala Lepale Niko Palamo was no longer the head coach of the Manu Samoa. No one was more surprised by that announcement than Palamo who felt that his sacking was based on "weak and unfounded" reasons. Palamo's assistants, Fepuleai Selefuti Patu and Paepae Stan Toomalatai were also given their walking papers. All three men have served their country's rugby team in several capacities throughout the past decade and beyond.

Its unknown what direction the SRU will take in hiring a new coach and there is mounting speculation that they will do their best to entice a coach with Super 14 and international experience. At the very least, they will be looking for a coach with experience on the domestic level in competitions like the Air New Zealand NPC.

In the wake of Palamo's surprise firing, Fiji has followed suit dismissing sevens wizard and IRB Sevens Series top points scorer Waisale Serevi. Serevi was at the helm for some of Fiji's most notable IRB Sevens campaigns and memorable victories but it appears that the FRU is finally fed up with Serevi's alleged insolence and blatant disregard for the FRU's policies and procedures.

As is the case in most firings, there those who are for and those who are against the FRU's decision to can their most decorated player-coach. Even Samoa's Sevens coach, Galumalemana 'Rudi' Moors expressed shock and disbelief in an interview with the Fiji Times.

and disgruntled fans are calling for the ouster of all FRU Board Members. Looks like this issue will be on the forefront of Fiji rugby news for quite some time, especially if new Fiji Sevens Head Coach Iliesa Tanivula does not duplicate the success and popularity of his predecessor.