Fiji Under-20 player Simon Koroiyadi has signed a contract with Benetton for the 2024-25 season. The backrower will be joining former Swire Shipping Fijian Drua player Onisi Ratave at the Italian club. Koroiyadi participated in the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa earlier this year as a member of the Fiji Under-20 Rugby team.
The 20-year-old from Mudu, Koro in Lomaiviti made his debut for the club in a friendly match against Harlequins last Saturday. Koroiyadi will team up with Phil Cokanasiga and Ratave, forming a dynamic Fijian trio set to make an impact at Benetton. Cokanasiga, who plays as a center, is the younger brother of England international Joe Cokanasiga, currently with Bath Rugby.
In the match against Harlequins, the Benetton Rugby lineup featured players including Rhyno Smith, Paolo Odogwu, Marco Zanon, and Jacob Umaga among others, with Scott Scrafton as captain. The team was led by head coach Marco Bortolami.