Fiji appoint Senirusi Seruvakula as interim head coach

Fiji Rugby Union administration Simione Valenitabua has confirmed the appointment of Senirusi Seruvakula as the interim head coach.

According to a statement released by FRU in Suva last Friday, Seruvakula will hold the position until January 2024, taking over from Simon Raiwalui, who retired post the Rugby World Cup in France in October.

Seruvakula served as an assistant coach to Raiwalui during the recently concluded Rugby World Cup campaign.

His coaching accolades include guiding the Fiji Warriors to victory in the 2016-2019 World Rugby Pacific Challenge Trophy and clinching the 2017-2019 Australia's National Rugby Championship title with the Fijian Drua.

He also worked as an assistant coach for the Flying Fijians during a test match against the Barbarians in 2019 and led the Fijiana Drua in the Super W competition in Australia, triumphing in the event.

Expressing gratitude to the FRU Trustees Board (FRUTB) for their trust in him, Seruvakula acknowledged the challenging task ahead, especially considering the recent performance at the Rugby World Cup.

"The role isn't an easy one, especially after the Flying Fijians quarterfinal finish and win over tier-one nations such as England and Australia in the past few months," he said.

"With new players coming in the Fijian Drua and having some outstanding performance by the players during our local competitions, I will certainly draw up a depth chart and project the path towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia."