Raiwalui’s New Appointment
Former Flying Fijians lock Simon Raiwalui is now the Wallabies forwards coach. According to Rugby.com.au, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika had kept his cards close to his chest in the hunt for a replacement for Mario Ledesma, who took the reins of the Jaguares in Super Rugby this year, with a number of international and Australian coaches in the mix, before Raiwalui’s appointment was announced.
Born in New Zealand and educated in Australia, Raiwalui played for Manly.
The lock tallied 46 Test caps for Fiji and played in Brad Johnstone’s coached-side at the 1999 Rugby World Cup in France. He has a decorated playing career in the UK and France, captaining English side Saracens.
Raiwalui joined the coaching ranks at French powerhouse Racing 92 in 2012, before switching to their Top 14 rivals Stade Francais in 2014, and moving to Biarritz this season.
The 43-year-old’s resume is not dissimilar to that of his predecessor, with both spending much of their careers in Europe, and he said he hoped he could draw on his global experiences in his new role as he returns to Australia for the first time in 20 years.
Raiwalui will join the Wallabies at the end of Biarritz’s season, ahead of their June Series against Ireland.
“I’m very excited to move back to Australia and the chance to work alongside Michael (Cheika), Stephen (Larkham), Mick (Byrne) and Nathan (Grey) was one that I just couldn’t pass up,” he said.
Speight stays on
Fijian-born Wallabies winger Henry Speight is staying in Australia for one year, ending speculation about a European move. Speight had been weighing up a possible overseas switch, saying back in January the European lifestyle and possibility for travel was a major draw card.
Ultimately, though, the lure of another Rugby World Cup appearance has kept the 30-year-old in Australia for another season. The new deal locks him in until the end of 2019, with next year’s Japan tournament a target for Speight.
“There’s still a lot to achieve with both the Brumbies and the Wallabies so I’m really excited to be staying in Canberra for another year,” he said.
“The World Cup is a big target of mine. I really enjoyed the experience in 2015 but I want to go one step further next year so hopefully I’m part of that.”