Simon Raiwalui

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.

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.

After last weekend's first win over England the Pacific islanders moved up to seventh, as they prepare to start their tournament against Wales on September 10.

"It changes nothing for us," Raiwalui told reporters.

"We haven't thought about the rankings. 

"We've been taking it one game at a time. Since the preparation started we had a goal of improving every week. 

"The objective and goal doesn't change," he added.

Former Fiji lock Raiwalui, 48, took over from Vern Cotter as head coach in February after the New Zealander resigned.

This comes after analysing their first warm-up match against France yesterday morning.

Fans were treated to an impressive performance by the French team as our national team suffered a 34-17 defeat.

Despite everything that went wrong, according to Raiwalui, the team’s on-field interaction was generally good.

Raiwalui said it’s no secret that teams like Tonga and Samoa have solid forward packs and a fiery back line.

Responding to media in a zoom session yesterday the Flying Fijians coach reiterates they are preparing well for their opposition.

“They had a good week at the sand dunes it was a very comfortable session and we’ve working on a couple of things including our fitness.”

Raiwalui added they are anticipating a physical battle upfront, trusting that his players understand what they have to do.

Head Coach Simon Raiwalui has finalized his 39-member extended squad which marches into camp in Taveuni on Saturday.

Out of the 45 players named in the wider group a fortnight ago, Raiwalui has reduced the squad to 39 after all club commitments were finished.

Prop Jone Koroiduadua, Setareki Tuicuvu, Adrea Cocagi and Mesulame Dolokoto have been dropped while Haereiti Hetet and Joseva Tamani are still recovering from injury, and will be managed from outside the group by the medical staff.

Fiji Rugby Union announced earlier this month that New Zealand coach Scott Robertson was offered a role.

But it appears the Crusaders mentor did not take up the offer after Raiwalui's appointment was confirmed at Rugby House in Suva on Friday.

The former lock forward has been involved in the game as a player and a coach for almost three decades.

In his most recent role, he was FRU's high performance unit general manager.