Andrew Tui Osborne has been appointed as the SportsWorld Fijian Under-20 coach and will prepare the side for the upcoming World Rugby Junior World Cup in June.
The Fiji Rugby Union says Osborne was appointed following a competitive recruitment process where a strong field of applicants declared their interest in the position.
However, the FRU says the selection committee identified Osborne as the perfect fit for the role and has tasked him with leading the national Under-20 side to the Junior World Cup and beyond.
Currently serving as Director of Rugby and Head Coach in College Station, Texas, United States, Osborne brings a wealth of international coaching experience to the role.
The FRU says his responsibilities in the United States have included leading a rugby program that enhances training and talent development for national and international players. He has also implemented data-driven coaching to improve team dynamics and player performance, and coordinated tactical strategies to drive continuous improvement and competitive standards.
Osborne also mentors players through personalised plans, recruits top rugby talent, generates revenue through strategic fundraising events, and pioneers advanced coaching techniques and tactical frameworks.
Osborne expressed his deep gratitude for the chance to return to his Fijian roots and contribute to the national rugby pathway.
He says as a Fijian who has spent more than 14 years coaching and developing players in the United States collegiate and professional systems, he has been fortunate to learn from structured environments focused on long-term growth and player development.
He also says his focus during this term is to support and strengthen the pathway by helping align standards from grassroots to elite levels, while creating an environment that prepares young players for the demands of international rugby.
Fiji Rugby General Manager of High Performance, Naca Cawanibuka, welcomed the appointment and expressed confidence in Osborne's ability to elevate the Under-20 program.
Fiji has been drawn in Pool D at the World Rugby Junior World Cup, which will be hosted in Georgia.
The Fijian Under-20 open their campaign against France on June 28th, followed by their match against Australia on July 2nd before playing Spain on July 8th in their final pool match.
