Taina Basiyalo 
[Source: Supplied]
The Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board has announced the appointment of a new High Performance Senior Leadership team.
Former England international rugby player Barrie Jon Mather is the new FRU General Manager, former Australia Wallaroos player Alana Thomas joins the High Performance Manager Women’s Rugby while former Flying Fijian Viliame Gadolo is the new Elite Pathways and Performance Manager.
In a statement, the FRU says that Mathers’ primary role will be to oversee the High Performance program, with the goal of achieving sustainable international success for Fiji’s four national teams.
Additionally, he will work on enhancing the capabilities, capacities, and development of Fijian HP coaches, managers, and other essential support staff.
In tandem with this appointment, Thomas, a Super W Head Coach, and National Program Manager at Rugby Australia will join the FRU as the High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby.
With her extensive background as a former player, coach, manager, and business accountant, Thomas will be responsible for overseeing and managing the Women’s Fijiana XVs and 7s programs.
Gadolo, who is the current FRU National Teams Manager, will be in charge of all pathway, age-group, talent identification, and development programs for both men’s and women’s XVs and 7s rugby.
He will also lead elite coach development and manage performance services across the national teams and the HP Unit.
Notably, he will continue to provide crucial management support for the Flying Fijians’ RWC2023 campaign, transitioning into his new role after the World Cup.
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