Fiji rugby

Fiji Rugby wants Simon Raiwalui to stay

Raiwalui made it official this week that he won't be seeking a contract extension following their quarterfinal loss to England this past Monday.

FBC reports the FRU is still talking about the way forward for the Flying Fijians, hoping to keep the talented coach in their ranks.

The union's interim chair Peter Mazey said Raiwalui's integrity and unwavering commitment to his work are commendable.

He said he is eagerly anticipating a forthcoming meeting with Raiwalui and the team management to deliberate on the future course of action for the Flying Fijians.

Raiwalui to stand down as Fiji rugby coach

Fiji won plaudits for their run at the tournament, which was ended by England in a 30-24 defeat in Marseille on Sunday, after which a visibly emotional Raiwalui praised his team and said they had laid a platform for the next generation of players.

"I guess it is time to make it official, specifically what the next cycle will look like for Fiji Rugby. I will not be seeking an extension of (my) employment with FRU past 31 December," Raiwalui confirmed on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Tourism Fiji encourages heartbroken Wallabies fans to support the pacific

Wallabies legend and Fijian rugby league representative, Lote Tuqiri, has already jumped on board, announcing he’ll drop the green and gold for the black and white of Fiji. In fact, his nephew will even be taking the field, who is a part of Fiji’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.

Anything can happen in playoff: Bai

This is what Fiji’s kicking coach Seremaia Bai believes and says beating England at Twickenham gives them great confidence going into the game.

However, according to the former national flyhalf, the most important thing in a playoff is that anything can happen so Fiji will have to regroup, re-focus and prepare well.

Bai is one of three players from the 2007 team which made the World Cup quarterfinals that are part of the management team in France.

The other two are scrum coach Graham Dewes and manager Viliame Gadolo.

Fiji make compelling case for a place among rugby's elite

Already a Sevens superpower as champions of the first two Olympic tournaments, the Fijians have played seven tests this season and won five of them with the vanquished including former world champions England, Japan and now Australia. The victory over Australia was their first in 69 years but not a huge surprise to those who have frequently watched the disciplined and well-structured Flying Fijians play this season.

Vern Cotter stands down as Fiji coach

The 61-year-old New Zealander, appointed in January 2020, has left for personal reasons.

"I'm disappointed to be leaving at this time," said Cotter, who led Scotland to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2015.

"The team has made some significant improvements over the last few years both on and off the field."

Cotter is the fourth international head coach to leave his role in the past two months, following the departures of Wayne Pivac (Wales), Eddie Jones (England) and Dave Rennie (Australia).

Fiji rocked by 3 sackings as CEO takes 'annual leave' as internal audit launched

Over the years various Pacific Islands rugby unions have faced investigations over the financial handling of their affairs and now Fiji is dealing with speculation and rumour at a time when its sevens team is preparing for the World in South Africa next month. The move comes just a year away from the Rugby World Cup in France.

Samoa finishes fourth place at the London 7s

The team had a strong start after Paul Scanlan scored a try straight after the kick-off.

Fiji replied moments later with a try from Elia Canakaivata and Napolioni Bolaca battling the defence line from the men in blue with a strong run that led to a try between the sticks.

Fiji led at halftime 24-7.

Fiji started to become lax and Samoa took advantage of this.

It didn’t take long for Maliko and Uaina Sione to cross the Fijian tryline and put Samoa back in the game.

Fiji’s Josua Vakurubuli scored the winning try after fending off the Samoan defenders.

Ex-England rugby forward eyes switch to Fiji

Under the new World Rugby rules, Hughes can wear the Fijian jersey.

But Fiji Rugby Union chief executive John O'Connor said the final decision is with Flying Fijians' coach Vern Cotter.

Following a dismal 2021 international season, Cotter could have an influx of new players heading into the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Hughes joins several other players vying for a spot in Cotter's side including former All Blacks Seta Tamanivalu and Waisake Naholo, and Wallaby Tevita Kuridrani.

The Tier 1 side Fiji should have beat and the England star Cotter may want

Cotter and the rest of the Fijian coaching group were unable to travel to Europe due to the pandemic for the win over Spain 43-13 , the 38-23 loss to Wales and 15-15 draw with Georgia with Gareth Baber, the former sevens gold medal winning coach taking charge of a European based squad for the matches.

According to Cotter the main challenge heading into 2022 – a year before the Rugby World Cup in France- is to “ develop new habits that will give us more opportunities to be competitive at the top level.”