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Flying Fijians make four-man shortlist for Simon Raiwalui successor

Fiji's head coach Simon Raiwalui leads warm up prior to the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Fiji at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, south-western France on September 10, 2023. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP) (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Head coach of the Fijian Drua Mick Byrne is one of four applicants hoping to replace Simon Raiwalui and take charge of the Flying Fijians.

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The popular Raiwalui stood down as head coach after the World Cup in France and now has a key role with World Rugby. Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit general manager Barrie-Jon Mather has since confirmed the four-man shortlist, telling the Fiji Sun: “We have got two to interview on Thursday (today) and two on Friday.

“Then we will have one or maybe two, for the second round of interviews; if they stand out then bring them into the islands to see the culture and make connections with the unions, Drua, and players so we can check how they are.”

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      The Drua confirmed Byrne was in the frame in a statement which said: “No further comments on this issue, as it’s only fair to allow Fiji Rugby Union due to process to take its course.”

      The second round of interviews will be held in mid-February and Mather revealed an understanding the Fijian culture was one of the key things they are looking for. “International experience will be the key thing; we’d like somebody who knows what the environment is like and how to be successful. Simon (Raiwalui) showed the team is ready to take the next step in the World Cup.

      “We need somebody who knows what it’s like to be in the semifinals or what it takes to get there. Second most important thing is to be culturally fit; how they engage, if it’s a Fijian person then great, if someone from the North Island then they need to be aware of how to engage with the Fijian culture.”

      Mather is excited about the coming international programmes for the men’s and women’s 15s saying: “The women will be playing more Test matches than before, with some really good oppositions and will play a number of games in Fiji.

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      “We will also have four games for the Flying Fijians in the Northern Hemisphere in the November window. It is really an exciting 15s programme.”

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      R
      RedWarrior 4 hours ago
      The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

      So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

      Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

      Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

      1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

      2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

      3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

      4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


      One last thing missing from English analysis

      How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


      Food for thought old boy!!!!

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