Fiji XVs Coach, Rauluni, Resigns Amidst Uncertain Future

Fiji Rugby has announced that their head coach, Simon Raiwalui, has stepped down from his role as the coach of the national XVs team.

His resignation has come as a surprise to many, given the team’s recent performances on the international stage, including their historic achievements in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. While the details surrounding his departure remain limited, it marks a significant shift for the Fijian rugby setup.

Raiwalui, who was appointed in 2021, took charge of the Fiji XVs with the aim of improving the team’s consistency and performance on the global stage.

Under his stewardship, Fiji achieved some notable successes, including their victory in the 2022 Pacific Nations Cup, and a strong showing at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where they advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007.

His leadership was credited with improving the team’s discipline and structure while retaining the flair and attacking style for which Fiji is renowned.

Raiwalui’s decision to step down comes just weeks after a successful World Cup campaign, which raised hopes for the future of Fijian rugby.

Despite the achievements, it is understood that the coach’s decision was influenced by personal and professional factors. Some reports suggest that there were differences regarding long-term strategic plans and the direction in which the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) intended to take the XVs team.

Fiji’s rugby community is now left grappling with uncertainty, as the departure of Raiwalui leaves a gap in the team’s leadership. His resignation may also trigger changes in the coaching staff, which could affect the continuity of the current setup.

The FRU, in its initial response, thanked Raiwalui for his dedication and contribution to the team and expressed confidence that the selection of a new coach would be a top priority in the coming weeks.

The timing of the resignation, coming after such a successful year for Fiji rugby, is particularly poignant. It raises questions about the future development of the XVs game in the Pacific Island nation, especially given the increasing competition from other rugby powerhouses.

The Fijian squad has been on an upward trajectory, and finding a successor who can build on the momentum established by Raiwalui will be critical for the team’s continued success.

As Fiji prepares for upcoming international fixtures, all eyes will be on the FRU to determine who will take the reins of the national XVs team and lead them into the next phase of their rugby journey.