Flying Fijians backline coach Daryl Gibson during a photoshoot France. Picture: World Rugby
Fijian rugby was struck by a shocking incident today as assistant coach Daryl Gibson collapsed during a high-intensity training session with the national team. The former All Black and seasoned rugby coach was immediately attended to by medical staff on-site before being rushed to the hospital for further evaluation.
According to sources within the team, Gibson, 48, showed signs of distress before collapsing on the field, sending waves of concern through the squad and coaching staff. The nature of his medical emergency is still unclear, though there are reports that he was conscious when he was transported to a nearby medical facility.
Head coach Simon Raiwalui expressed his concern in a brief statement, saying, “Our thoughts are with Daryl and his family at this time. He is a vital part of our team, and we hope for his speedy recovery. The team will rally around him during this challenging period.”
Gibson, who joined the Fijian coaching setup in 2022, has been a key figure in helping develop the side’s strategies ahead of the Rugby World Cup, contributing his vast experience from both his playing days and his coaching stints with the Waratahs and Crusaders. His sudden collapse has left the team and fans shaken, just weeks away from their next major international campaign.
More information is expected to be released by the Fijian Rugby Union as they monitor Gibson’s condition closely. For now, the rugby community is holding its breath, hoping for positive news about the health of one of its respected figures.
