David Ellis has been appointed as the interim Defence Coach of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians for the upcoming Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup in September .
The Fiji Rugby Union says Ellis is currently in camp with the Flying Fijians and has begun working alongside the national coaching staff and players as preparations continue for the tournament.
They say the British coach brings more than 25 years of coaching experience at the highest levels of international and professional rugby, specializing in defensive systems and player development.
FRU says his CV records involvement in more than 1,000 professional club matches and more than 200 Test matches during his coaching career.
FRU says Ellis is particularly well known for his long association with the French national team, where he served as Assistant Defence Coach from 2000 to 2011.
They say during that period, France won multiple Six Nations titles, including Grand Slams, reached Rugby World Cup semi-finals in 2003 and 2007, and progressed to the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final, where they were narrowly defeated 8–7 by New Zealand.
FRU adds that his international experience also includes working as a coaching consultant with the New Zealand All Blacks during their 3–0 Test series victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2005, as well as defence coaching roles with Tonga and Romania and consultancy work with USA Rugby Sevens.
More recently, Ellis was Defence Coach with Romania during its 2023 Rugby World Cup qualification campaign and helped the side secure a bronze medal in the 2023 Rugby Europe Championship.
Romania’s campaign included victories over Poland, Belgium and Spain, culminating in the bronze-medal result.
FRU says at club level, Ellis has worked extensively in England and France with teams including Gloucester, Castres Olympique, CA Brive, London Irish and Lyon. His time with Lyon included Pro D2 championship successes in 2014 and 2016.
His later coaching record includes guiding Kenilworth RFC to the RFU Intermediate Cup at Twickenham in 2019, coaching Sarlat Rugby to 22 wins from 22 matches and promotion from Federale 2, and coaching Bletchley Rugby Club to the BBO Premier League title after winning 19 of 20 matches and conceding just 81 points across the season.
Ellis has also served as a World Rugby Coach Development Mentor, sharing his defensive expertise and experience with international coaches.
His immediate focus with the FIJI Water Flying Fijians will be on strengthening the team’s defensive systems and working with the wider coaching group as the squad builds towards its Pacific Nations Cup campaign.
The Flying Fijians are currently in camp preparing for the competition, with Ellis already actively involved in the team’s preparations.
Fiji plays Canada in the opening match of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup next Saturday at 7pm, which also serves as the semi-final of the competition.
