Thu. Nov 14th, 2024
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Simon Raiwalui during a Fiji warm-up session
Simon Raiwalui represented Fiji as a player from 1997 to 2006

Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has announced plans to step down at the end of the year after his team’s Rugby World Cup campaign ended.

Raiwalui, 49, guided Fiji to a first World Cup quarter-final for 16 years after wins over Australia and Georgia in the pool stage in France.

But a 30-24 loss to England ended hopes of a first semi-final appearance.

“I will not be seeking an extension of employment with FRU past 31 December,” Raiwalui said on X, formerly Twitter.

“I guess it is time to make it official, specifically what the next cycle will look like for Fiji Rugby.

“Thanks again to the players, staff and all the supporters, it has been quite a ride!”

The 49-year-old took charge of Fiji in February after former head coach Vern Cotter resigned, moving from his role as high performance director.

He led the Pacific island team to their first win over England in a warm-up game at Twickenham in August, before finishing second in Pool C behind Wales to reach the last eight of the World Cup.

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