Flying Fijians coaching call made ahead of 2026 Pacific Nations Cup

Senirusi Seruvakula will stay on as Fiji acting head coach for the Pacific Nations Cup, which is scheduled to start in almost one month to the day. Fiji One News reported the update this week, including comments from Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu.

The Fiji Rugby Union announced in April that Seruvakula has been appointed to the position, after the governing body and former coach Mick Byrne agreed to part ways. Byrne stepped down from the role, effective immediately, on April 1.

Seruvakula was unveiled as Byrne’s successor later that day. The now 56-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked with both Fijiana and the Flying Fijians, and was the head coach when the Fijian Drua won the NRC in 2018.

Fiji started their new era under Senirusi Seruvakula with a 39-24 defeat to Wales in the opening round of the Nations Championship. The Flying Fijians were beaten 73-8 by England and suffered a 33-17 loss to Scotland over the fortnight that followed the Welsh Test.

World Rugby have announced the dates for the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup, with Fiji taking part in the competition from September 12 to 19 in Japan. Before Fiji kick off another PNC title defence in one months’ time,  Sewabu has spoken about the coaching update.

“Due to the timing factor, advertising and the hunt for a new coach obviously takes time. That’s one reason he was appointed earlier on… and now extended for PNC, so we can get through his period while we go through the process,” Sewabu said on Fiji One News.

“A lot of that will be determined this Saturday. We’re having a board meeting this Saturday where this will be thoroughly discussed. We’ll have a good review.”

Fiji played all three July Nations Championship matches in the United Kingdom, saving their best performance of that international window till last. The Flying Fijians were leading Scotland at half-time but couldn’t hang on for the win at Murrayfield.

One month tomorrow, Fiji kick off their PNC campaign against Canada at Osaka’s Hanazono Rugby Stadium. That venue hosted an international fixture last weekend between the Brave Blossoms and Wallabies, with the visitors winning a thriller 35-32.

It’s another important competition for the team, who are building towards Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in 14 months. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson said at a media event in February that the Flying Fijians will be “a massive threat” at the sport’s showpiece event.

“With a lot having in the next few months, and obviously with the World Cup coming next year and then again the year after with [the Nations Championship],” Sewabu added.

“It’s really important that we manage this time wisely and also go through proper due process while we’re going through this transition for Fiji Rugby.”