Warren Gatland could be heading back to international rugby, and quite frankly, Fiji might have just found the perfect man for the job.
The former Wales boss is reportedly closing in on becoming the new Flying Fijians head coach ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
According to the Fiji Sun, Gatland is leading the race for the position, with players reportedly already informed of his expected arrival.
An official announcement could come as early as Tuesday, although the appointment has yet to be confirmed.
And while his second spell with Wales ended in fairly miserable fashion, writing off a coach with Gatland's CV would be a huge mistake.
Why Gatland is the perfect choice
Let's be clear. Gatland's final months with Wales were dreadful. Nobody is pretending otherwise.
But this is also a man who won three Six Nations Grand Slams, reached two World Cup semi-finals and led the British & Irish Lions on three tours.
You don't suddenly forget how to coach rugby.
And Fiji could be exactly the sort of challenge that brings out the best in him.
The Flying Fijians have never lacked talent. Pace, power, outrageous handling skills. They've got the lot.
What they've sometimes lacked is the consistency and structure needed to beat the world's best sides regularly.
That's where Gatland comes in.
He's built his reputation on making teams incredibly difficult to beat. Add that organisation to Fiji's natural attacking brilliance, and you've got a potentially frightening combination.
Of course, there would be questions. His conservative approach hasn't always made for thrilling viewing, and nobody wants to see Fiji lose the flair that makes them so entertaining.
But the best coaches adapt. Gatland would need to do exactly that.
World Cup mission
The Fiji Rugby Union has reportedly completed interviews with 31 applicants, with former Springboks World Cup-winning coach Jake White also linked with the vacancy.
Chief executive Koli Sewabu told the Fiji Sun an announcement could arrive imminently.
"Hopefully Monday (today) or Tuesday," he said.
RUCK GAMES
CAN YOU BUILD THE ULTIMATE RUGBY XV?
Draft rugby legends, choose their positions and see if you can beat the top score.
15 players. One ultimate team.
PLAY THE ULTIMATE DRAFT →The successful candidate is expected to receive a 14-month contract taking them through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
That's not much time to build a team from scratch.
Fortunately, Fiji don't need rebuilding. They need someone capable of turning their enormous potential into consistent results.
Gatland has been there, done it and collected enough silverware to fill a decent-sized cabinet.
My verdict? This could be one of the smartest coaching appointments Fiji have ever made.
Wales might have seen the worst of Gatland towards the end.
Fiji could yet get something much closer to his best.
And that should worry a few teams heading into 2027.
