Tabua Steps Down As Head Coach of Pacific Islanders

Flying Fijians Coach Ilivasi Tabua has stepped down as the Head Coach of the Pacific Islanders team.

Tabua was appointed earlier this year but stood down today citing personal reasons.

Pacific Rugby Limited Chairman Keni Dakuidreketi said the tour demanded significant time on the part of the Head Coach and his back up staff, and in the end Tabua decided he would not be able to give his full and total commitment.

Dakuidreketi said they have now appointed Tonga's Head Coach Quddus Fielea as the new Pacific Islanders Coach.

He also said that two additional appointments have been made with former Wallaby back Coach Glen Ella, been brought in to replace Fielea in the backline coaching role while Jon McKee, who coached extensively in Europe and Australia is appointed to the squad as specialist skills coach.

The Pacific Islanders team will tour Europe in November and will play games against England, France and Italy.