Flying Fijians’ initiative to reconnect with people has never happened before and is special - Cawanibuka

The Fiji Water Flying Fijians’ initiative of reconnecting with the people when they moved their training camp to Taveuni was something that has never been done before in any of the Rugby World Cup preparations in the past and it is special.

This has been highlighted by Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head of Athletic Performance, Naca Cawanibuka during a fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan.

Cawanibuka who is now working with the Flying Fijians coaching staff for this Pacific Nations Cup campaign and the upcoming RWC says, there were times in the past when people had criticised the team tagging them as the “hotel team” as they have been away from the people for their whole time of preparation.

He says going back to when the Rugby World Cup started, there were no preparations like this done in the past by any Flying Fijians team and in this World Cup, the boys are representing the people.

He further says the coaching staff has even kept track of the game minutes that each player has played in different competitions, from the Top 14 competition and other competitions in Europe right to the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Cawanibuka adds it is also a good environment and is also a great opportunity to bring out the best in each other and the coaching staff is working towards that.

The Flying Fijians will take on Tonga at 3pm Saturday in round 1 of the Pacific Nations Cup at Churchill Park.