Former Flying Fijians coach Simon Raiwalui has been named the 2023 FIJI Water Coach of the Year, surpassing ten other strong candidates for the prestigious award. Although Raiwalui was not present at the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards, he was recognized for his significant contributions to the Flying Fijians as they prepared for and participated in the Rugby World Cup held in France.
Appointed as the Flying Fijians coach in February 2022, Raiwalui fostered a new environment within the team, helping players reconnect with their roots and reviving their cultural ties to their vanua and people. He played a pivotal role in the team’s success in the 2023 Pacific Nations Cup, leading them to a historic victory against Australia in the Rugby World Cup, the first time in 69 years, and guiding them to the quarter-finals for the first time in 16 years.
In addition to the Coach of the Year award, Raiwalui was also nominated for the World Rugby Coach of the Year accolade. FRU chairman Mazey commended his achievements, stating, “Well earned. If we really consider Simon. He was officially appointed the coach of the Flying Fijians in February of last year, look at what he achieved; we got through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The team did a great job despite financial struggles earlier in the year.”
The Flying Fijians were also celebrated at the awards, receiving the Asco Motors Team of the Year award due to their impressive performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which saw them compete against six other deserving nominees.
FRU chief executive Rovereto Nayacalevu accepted the Flying Fijians award, while Sale Sorovaki collected the award on behalf of Raiwalui. Mazey expressed enthusiasm for the recognition, noting his hope for rugby to continue to excel in future awards.