Welcome home Simon Raiwalui

The appointment of Simon Raiwalui as the new General Manager High-Performance is another major acquisition after Vern Cotter, the new 15s code coach.

Soon after it was announced, players and experts in the international rugby community praised the appointments, saying they were a great combination. The changes complement each other and boost Fiji Rugby Union’s commitment to lift the standard of Fijian rugby nationally and internationally.

High Performance is a critical unit in the structures of the FRU. Its role includes to monitor the physical fitness of players and condition them to be able to compete at top international level.

It will make the job of Cotter easier in achieving the high standards he has set.

As a former Flying Fijians captain who later played in England and France, Raiwalui has the advantage of local knowledge. He knows the culture and he can communicate to get things done professionally. He also coached and managed French rugby clubs before being appointed forwards coach for the Wallabies leading into 2019 World Club in Japan.

His wealth of rugby experience on and off the field makes him a valued member of the FRU technical team.

He will combine well with Cotter in preparing the Flying Fijians and other teams for international fixtures.

The good thing is that Raiwalui will work with Cotter and Senirusi Seruvakula. Raiwalui and Seruvakula will understudy Cotter and hopefully take over one day.

It’s a wonderful position to be in from the perspective of Fijian rugby.

The experience of Raiwalui and Cotter in the Northern Hemisphere club rugby and internationals will add a new dimension to Fijian rugby.

Overseas-based Fijian players are already praising the change. It augers well for the future.

Raiwalui’s immediate focus will be on Fijian Latui competing in the Global Rapid Rugby Competition, the under-20s playing their second Junior World Cup, Fiji’s defence of the Rio 7s gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and the Fijiana XV’s Rugby World Cup 2021 preparations.

Raiwalui was born in Auckland, New Zealand, educated in Australia and played his school and club rugby there.

Despite playing most of his rugby overseas, he still counts himself proudly as a Fijian. He had a dream of not only playing for Fiji but also contributing to the development of rugby here.

His dream has now become a reality. He has donned the white jersey and will now use his experience to develop Fijian rugby. He is proud of his heritage and his return demonstrates his passion and love for the people and the country.

Rugby experts of his calibre are hard to come by and are always in demand.

To have him help us is a wonderful blessing. It raises our hope of a much improved performance by the Flying Fijians and other teams on the way to the next World Cup.

Fiji Rugby Union deserves high praise for its appointments this week.

Welcome, Vern Cotter.

Welcome back home, Simon Raiwalui.