Box Hill & Rebels Media Units
The Box Hill Broncos have continued their rebuilding program with the appointment of former Qantas Wallabies and Fiji Test player Ilie Tabua as Director of Rugby. Tabua has also coached the Fiji Test team, and is sure to make a big impact at Sparks Reserve.
Tabua played ten tests for Australua from 1993-95, plus sixteen Tests for Fiji in 1998-99. Known as the 'Human Skewer' for his devastating tackling, Tabua played over 30 games for Queensland.
Watch Ilie Tabua at RaboDirect Rebels training with REB TV.
A big influence on his countrymen, Tabua has played a big part in the Island Breeze Rugby program, actively recruiting and recommending players. He sees the program as a huge benefit, as young Fijians are brought to Australia to experience a vastly different culture to their own. Drew Collins, a member of the Broncos' leadership group, says the benefits are not all one way.
“It’s been wonderful to get to know the Island Breeze boys," Collins said. "The on-field side of things has obviously helped us enormously, but off the field is also great.
"The guys are very involved in the Club; it’s a huge bonus to have them around. (RaboDirect Rebels signing) Sefanaia Naivalu is an example of what these boys can achieve, and now with Ilie at the Club in a permanent role there is no doubt the sky is the limit for the Broncos”.
2014 saw the Broncos reach their first Grand Final since 2009, ultimately falling short against a strong Harlequin team. However the trophy cabinet did receive a boost, with victory in the Albury Rapid Fire Tens plus the return of the Bruce Bailey Blazer following a big win over 'Quins at Ashwood.
The Club is determined to go all the way in 2015, and following the capture of somebody with the stature of Tabua to lead the Broncos, anything is possible.
Former Rebels Assistant Coach, and World Cup winning Wallaby, Matt Cockbain will also be assisting the Broncos' coaching team when time permits. Cockbain was recently appointed to the Fiji coaching team.
