Raiwalui Returns to Fiji Rugby to Lead High Performance

Fiji Rugby is thrilled to welcome home former Flying Fijians Captain, Simon Raiwalui, as the new General Manager High-Performance, commencing 15th February 2020. 

The 39-test Flying Fijian has had an illustrious playing career having played for Sale, Newport (Wales) and Racing Metro 92 (France) and he also captained Saracens in the English Premiership. Upon retirement, Raiwalui established himself as a quality coach beginning at Racing Metro 92 in 2012, after which he moved to Stade Francais, where he claimed the Bouclier de Brennus (French domestic competition) in 2015.  

Most recently, he has been the Forwards Coach of the Australian Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup 2019.  

Fiji Rugby Chairman Commander Francis Kean said Raiwalui was a standout amongst a number of high-caliber applicants and the Board and Executives were excited to appoint a former Flying Fijian into the top job. 

“The General Manager High-Performance is a critical role to the success of Fiji Rugby on the world stage and we were determined to secure the best possible candidate for the position. Raiwalui’s appointment is in line with Fiji Rugby’s intent of providing our former national rugby representatives an opportunity of employment in coaching, high-performance, development or operations” said Kean. 

Raiwalui said he has been impressed with the progress of the Fiji Rugby High-Performance structure in the last few years and is looking forward to joining the team to generate further success in the men’s and the women’s game. 

“I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to return home and once again be part of the continued development of Rugby in Fiji. I understand the challenge ahead and I am looking forward to integrating myself back into all levels of Rugby.” 

Commander Kean stated that looking forward, the engagement of Raiwalui as General Manager High-Performance and Senirusi Seruvakula as the Fijian Latui and Fijian Drua Head Coach, including his attachment under the recently appointed Flying Fijians Head Coach, Mr. Vern Cotter, should pave the way for either of the two taking the reins after the Rugby World Cup in 2023. 

“Simon will hit the ground running with a busy first-half of the year with the Fijian Latui competing in the Global Rapid Rugby Competition, the Under 20s playing in their second Junior World Cup, Fiji’s defence of the gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games later this year and the Fijiana XVs’ Rugby World Cup 2021 preparations.” 

“We are confident he will slot comfortably into the role and have an immediate impact, supported by great people around him including our Elite Pathways Manager, Bill Gadolo and National Development Manager, Koli Sewabu”, said Kean. 

Raiwalui will take up his role at Fiji Rugby ahead of the World Rugby Pacific Challenge and opening of the Global Rapid Rugby Competition happening in Suva in early March.