An exciting new chapter has begun for the Fiji Waters Flying Fijians with the recent appointment of former player Ifereimi Rawaqa to their coaching team. Rawaqa will take on dual responsibilities as the assistant forwards coach and the national contact coach.
In his new role, Rawaqa will collaborate closely with head coach Mick Byrne and the rest of the coaching staff to enhance the forward pack’s performance and oversee the national contact area program—an essential aspect of modern Test rugby. His recruitment comes as the Flying Fijians gear up for the international season in 2026 and lay the groundwork for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Expressing his gratitude for the new position, Rawaqa stated, “I am very grateful for the opportunity and the trust shown by coach Mick, and I’m looking forward to this new role. It’s an honour to work with Fiji Rugby.”
Rawaqa’s extensive playing experience is a significant asset, having been a key player for the Flying Fijians during the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups. Additionally, he achieved notable success as a sevens player, winning the Melrose Cup in 2005 in Hong Kong.
Mick Byrne has welcomed Rawaqa’s addition to the coaching setup, underscoring the unique contributions he brings to the team. The Fiji Rugby Union is optimistic that Rawaqa’s appointment will bolster the coaching infrastructure and solidify their commitment to merging Fijian rugby heritage with high-performance coaching methods for the future. This strategic move demonstrates a solid commitment to developing talent and achieving long-term success on the international stage.
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