Steve Jackson in, Fuimaono out

20 September 2018, 12:00AM

One of the worst kept secrets by the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) in recent times is finally out of the bag.

Despite strongly denying reports about the appointment of Steve Jackson as the new Manu Samoa Coach, the Union finally confirmed it yesterday afternoon in a statement.  

 “With Rugby World Cup less than 11 months away, S.R.U. unyieldingly revisited its recent past decisions to ensure we got the right Leader and the coaching prowess to take our Manu Samoa to the pinnacle of Rugby Events that happens every four years,” Faleomavaega said.

“Steve has emerged from a highly competitive process, as the preferred choice for Samoa Rugby. 

“Steve is undeniably well aware of the high expectations of a country that desperately want results, and as a Coach, he understands the challenges as he will quickly need to rebuild support for the team.”

Jackson is currently the Assistant Coach of the Auckland Blues.

 “I am honoured and privilege to be chosen as Head Coach of Manu Samoa,” Jackson said. 

“I know full well it comes with great responsibility. We will work hard and determined to gain the respect of the rugby world at R.W.C. and confident we have the talent, the skills and the passion in the players to deliver this for us at R.W.C.19.”

According to the statement from the S.R.U., the appointment was made by a five-person panel – chaired independently by Reverend Siaosi Salesulu. 

Members include S.R.U. and World Rugby representatives, who recommended Jackson’s appointment.

Faleomavaega told RNZI that more than 40 people applied for the position from all over the world including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. He said it was narrowed down to a shortlist of four, which included, the now former coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua, who was the only local applicant.

“S.R.U. will now begin work on helping to build a solid team of coaches and management around Steve as they prepare for a 3 match Northern Hemisphere Tour in early November, ” Faleomavaega said.

 

PROFILE  

Steve Jackson

Born West Auckland Henderson, New Zealand. Married with 3 sons and currently reside in Auckland.

 

Coaching Career

Super Rugby - The Blues

• Assistant Coach - Blues Super Team 2017/18 Forwards Coach & Breakdown

• Head Coach - Blues Development 2014/2016 - Champions

• Head Coach - Blues 10’s 2014 World 10s - Champions

• Head Coach - Blues Under 20s 2015

• Head Coach - Blues 18 2014/16

ITM Cup Provincial North Harbor

• Head Coach 2014-2016 ITM Cup/Mitre 10 Cup

  

 • Defense and Forwards Key Achievements

• “Champions” - Winners of Mitre 10 Cup Championship

• Promotion to Premiership

 

ITM Cup Provincial Counties Manukau

• Assistant Coach 2012-2013

• Forwards Coach 2011

• Set Piece Coach 2010

 

Key Achievements

• “Champions” - Winners of Mitre 10 Cup Championship

• Promotion to Premiership

• Winners of Ranfurly Shield

20 September 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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