Tavaita Rowati believes that she will be more brave and courageous in her coaching, after a life-enhancing experience on the Gallagher High Performance Academy (GHPA).
Tavaita, the assistant coach of Fiji’s national women’s team, had the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with other talented female coaches from across the rugby world on previous editions of World Rugby’s GHPA WXV programmes, and is looking forward to further opportunities on the GHPA at RWC 2025.
Self-analysis is a key part of the programme, which Tavaita feels will benefit not just herself, but also the players she coaches and the other coaches she works with.
“On the programme, we are given different tasks to complete. One of them is a 360-degree reflection form, which we fill out ourselves to identify work-ons that we need to do as a person, and the strengths that we have to build on,” Tavaita told World Rugby.
“We were tasked to give those reflection forms to different coaches that we have worked with – coaches with Fiji and grassroots coaches – to get their feedback to find what out their perception of me was.
“Getting that feedback from those who have helped me as a coach, and those around me on my journey – players, coaches, supporters, my family – on my leadership qualities was very valuable.
“I have learnt a lot from their feedback and how I perceive myself. It’s really important in terms of helping me to move forwards in my coaching career.
“The learnings have helped me have a sense of clarity about where I am and where I need to be. The 360-degree reflection is important because it helps me connect with players and management, and the rugby community as a whole, wherever I am engaged.
“It has opened my eyes in terms of how I deliver on the field and how I am able to connect with the players, coach the players, progress the drills and even individualising programmes that will help players understand what we want to see, as well as the best outcomes from our training and games.
“The programme has helped me to be brave and courageous, having conversations with players and other coaches, and creating the safe space in which my opinion matters and can contribute to the betterment of our goals.
“As a leader, getting feedback can help to make sure that we stay connected and create a positive culture, wherever I work.”
Tavaita’s coaching career began in 2018 when she was sidelined by a knee injury. She became just the second female Fijian coach to gain a Level Three coaching award, having graduated from university with a diploma in Sports Science.
Fiji first employed her as Strength and Conditioning Coach of the national women’s team – a role that has expanded as she has gained experience, including her initial involvement in the GPHA in 2023.
