Fiji name interim head coach following the exit of Simon Raiwalui

The Fiji Rugby Union have appointed assistant Senirusi Seruvakula as interim head coach of the Fiji national team following the post-Rugby World Cup departure of Simon Raiwalui last month.

Raiwalui led the side to the quarter-finals, their first appearance at that stage of the tournament in 16 years, but he confirmed soon after their defeat to England in Marseille that he wouldn’t be seeking a contract renewal after taking on the job after the early 2023 exit of Vern Cotter.

A statement read: “Fiji Rugby is pleased to announce Senirusi Seruvakula as the acting coach of the Fiji Water Flying Fijians. FRU Administrator Simione Valenitabua said after considering all the options, the Fiji Rugby Football Union trust board has decided to appoint Seruvakula for the top job who will act till January next year.

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“He further added that the Fiji coach’s position will be advertised in the near future and confirmed by January next year. Seruvakula has achieved many milestones since joining Fiji Rugby in 2016.

“His achievements so far are as follows: 2016-2019 champion of World Rugby Pacific Challenge Trophy with Fijian Warriors; 2017-2019 champion of Australia’s National Rugby Championship with Fijian Drua; 2019 – assistant coach Flying Fijians for Test match against the Barbarians; 2022 – champion of Super W with Fijian Drua; 2022 – champion of Oceania womens competition; 2022 – head coach Rugby World Cup with Fijiana 15s; 2023 – assistant coach Fiji at Rugby World Cup.”

FIJI Water Flying Fijians Appointment??

Congratulations?to Senirusi Seruvakula.

Read More: https://t.co/8UMVXIsV5x pic.twitter.com/Vt1y69eLg9

— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) November 24, 2023

Valenitabua said: “We would like to congratulate Seruvakula, who has been evidently knocking at the door for a long time. I and the FRFUT board believe that he deserves the Flying Fijians coaching job after being with the feeder teams for multiple years.”

Seruvakula added: “With new players coming in the Fijian Drua and having some outstanding performance by the players during our local competitions, I will certainly draw up a depth chart and project the path towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.”