Warren Gatland is reportedly in contention to become Fiji’s new head coach, with the race for the job down to just two candidates.
The former Wales and Lions boss has been linked with a return to international coaching as Fiji prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Fiji Rugby received 31 applications for the vacancy after Mick Byrne stepped down earlier this year, with Senirusi Seruvakula subsequently taking charge on an interim basis.
However, the field has now reportedly been dramatically reduced.
Gatland in two-horse race
FijiVillage reports that the process is now down to two applicants, although Fiji Rugby has not officially revealed their identities.
Gatland and former Springboks boss Jake White are the two high-profile coaches who have been strongly linked with the vacancy.
Local reports previously stated that Gatland was understood to be among the original 31 applicants.
Fiji Rugby chief executive Koli Sewabu has declined to reveal details while the recruitment process remains ongoing.
White, who guided South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007, has also been reported as a leading candidate.
Announcement could be close
The timing makes the situation particularly interesting.
According to the advertised terms, the new Flying Fijians head coach's contract was scheduled to begin October 5 and run until December 31, 2027.
Fiji Rugby has still not announced who will take charge.
There is also little time for the successful candidate to settle in.
Fiji face Japan on October 24 before turning their attention to their Nations Championship campaign in November.
The appointment will also take Fiji through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
They have been drawn alongside Argentina, Canada and Spain in Pool C.
Fiji have reached the World Cup quarter-finals four times, most recently in 2023.
Five facts about Warren Gatland
1. He was born in New Zealand
Gatland was born in Hamilton, New Zealand, in 1963.
He played as a hooker and made 140 appearances for Waikato.
2. He played for the All Blacks – but never won a Test cap
Gatland played 17 matches for New Zealand but never appeared in an official Test.
The British & Irish Lions' Gatland factfile notes that he also captained Waikato during his playing career.
3. He transformed Wales
Gatland's first spell in charge of Wales ran from 2007 until 2019.
Wales won four Six Nations titles during that period, including three Grand Slams.
They also reached the Rugby World Cup semi-finals in 2011 and 2019.
4. He coached the Lions three times
Gatland was British & Irish Lions head coach for three successive tours.
He led them to a series victory over Australia in 2013 and a drawn series against New Zealand in 2017.
His final tour ended in defeat against South Africa in 2021.
5. His second Wales spell ended very differently
Gatland returned to Wales in December 2022 following the departure of Wayne Pivac.
His second spell proved far more difficult.
He left during the 2025 Six Nations after Wales suffered a record run of 14 consecutive Test defeats.
Now, Fiji could offer the 63-year-old another opportunity to return to international rugby ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
