Former Wales coach Warren Gatland is on the brink of becoming Fiji head coach, according to reports in the country. The Fiji Sun reports that Gatland is leading the race to take charge of the Flying Fijians, with players reportedly already informed of his impending appointment.
Negotiations in final stages
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is understood to be in final negotiations with its preferred candidate, with an official announcement expected in the next 24 hours. Chief executive Koli Sewabu told the Fiji Sun that the appointment could be confirmed imminently.
“Hopefully Monday (today) or Tuesday,” he said.
Busy autumn schedule ahead
Fiji are preparing for a busy autumn schedule, with the squad due to enter camp on Monday ahead of their Test against Japan on October 24. They will then face France in Lyon on November 7, Ireland in Dublin on November 14 and Italy in Udine on November 21.
Gatland, who led Wales through two spells as head coach and guided them to three Six Nations Grand Slams, has a long history of going up against the Fijians. He was in charge when the two sides met at the last World Cup in an epic group match that saw the Welsh team edge a thrilling 32-26 victory.
Rival for the job
South African Jake White, who coached the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007, is also in contention. However, the Fiji Sun reports that his financial demands could prove a stumbling block, given the constraints facing the FRU. Shaun Edwards, who had also been linked with the role, is now out of the running after agreeing to join Argentina.
The FRU confirmed on Saturday that final interviews for the position had concluded and negotiations were under way with its preferred candidate. A total of 31 coaches applied for the job, which was advertised on August 22 following the union's decision to part ways with Mick Byrne in April.
The successful candidate will be offered a 14-month contract covering next year's Rugby World Cup. Gatland left his position as Wales head coach following the team's disappointing 2025 Six Nations campaign, having returned for a second stint in December 2022. His first spell, between 2007 and 2019, established him as one of the most successful coaches in Welsh rugby history.
