Manu Samoa legend Brian Lima has been appointed Assistant Coach of Samoa’s Sevens team, the Samoa Rugby Union announced today.
Samoa Rugby CEO Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai said the Brian’s appointment was endorsed by the Board this week and he is a key appointment for new Head Coach Damian McGrath (England).
“We are hugely excited about Brian’s appointment, and we are delighted to have him and Damian lead our Sevens programme into a new era.
“I know that Brian is excited and eager to work alongside and learn from a quality coach like Damian.
“What is clear is that we now have a coaching team that has both the energy, enthusiasm and skillset to move Samoa up the ladder on the World Series.
“The Board believes we have a great chance of still qualifying for the Rio Olympics with these two men working together.
“Brian is a much loved former Manu Samoa player, but he is a natural leader, and he cares very much about the future of rugby and rugby sevens in Samoa,” Faleomavaega said.
The double international in both Sevens and 15s legend has 64 caps to his name, and he has remained an active coach since hanging up his playing boots after his fifth Rugby World Cup in 2007.
Lima was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011, recognising his long and unique contribution to rugby.
Lima also received a special award from Samoa Rugby in 2007 in recognition of his contribution to the Samoan game.
Even as the Manu Samoa prepares to officially begin it’s Rugby World Cup campaign in England, Lima’s trademark hard hitting tackles are remembered in the lead up to the next world tournament.