Sir Gordon Tietjens lands in Samoa

By Vatapuia Maiava 13 October 2016, 12:00AM

Contrary to the Samoa Rugby Union’s (S.R.U) refusal to confirm or deny reports that Sir Gordon Tietjens is the new coach of the Manu Samoa Sevens, the man himself has arrived in Samoa.

A picture of him with the Union’s Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i, arriving at the Airport confirmed the worst kept secret in the country.

Earlier this week, Faleomavaega said an official announcement should be made at the end of the week.

“The Union hasn’t issued an official release yet,” he told the Samoa Observer.

“We will be making an official release on Friday this week which will be done by the Chairman.”

The Chairman is Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi. 

Asked if the Union has finalised an appointee to replace the sacked Damian McGrath, the C.E.O said not yet.

“There hasn’t been any confirmation because we are currently going through negotiations. We are also trying to contact other people who have applied. All I can say is that there has been no official release.”

Up until this point, the Union has also not been able to confirm whether Tietjens has applied for the job.

 “We saw reports on the paper that he (Tietjens) said the rugby union has sought his help but we haven’t,” Faleomavaega said in an earlier interview with the Samoa Observer.

“He is welcomed to apply if he hasn’t already applied but the opportunity was open to anyone; local and overseas. It wasn’t restricted to anyone.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 13 October 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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