Wes Naiqama, the head coach of the Kaiviti Silktails Rugby League Football Club, and the club board decided yesterday that he would step down from his position with immediate effect.

In a statement released Monday, club chairman Petero Civoniceva expressed gratitude to Wes Naiqama for his four and a half years of service.

“Wes would step down as our club’s head coach after four and a half seasons, as per our long conversation with our head coach yesterday. Since 2020, Wes has provided this club with excellent service, and the club would like to express its gratitude to him for all that he has done for the club during that time. The Kaiviti Silktails will only ever have one first coach, and that will always be Wes Naiqama. He will be a part of the Silktails Vuvale for eternity.

Timoci Duve has been named the Kaiviti Silktails’ Caretaker Coach. Joe Saukuru, the Technical Advisor, and Wise Kativerata, the National Coaching Director, will assist Duve as the team starts looking for a new Head Coach.

In other news, general manager Damon Spooner left the club as well. Executive Director Stephen Driscoll, who will have a more involved role with the team for the rest of the season, will assist Mereoni Tuninanuya in her transition to the General Manager position.