Fiji rugby coach Simon Raiwali. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui has been appointed the new general manager of World Rugby's High Performance Unit.
Raiwalui resigned as head coach of the Fijian national side following the team's exit at the quarterfinal stage of the Rugby World Cup.
He said at the time he was resigning to take time off to be with his family back in Australia.
Fiji Rugby had announced that it would have had liked to to retain his services.
He officially finished his contract with Fiji Rugby on 23 November and said "Fiji rugby will hold a special place dear to my heart".
Raiwalui was in Fiji at the weekend as chief guest at the Prime Minister's International Business Awards in Nadi on Saturday, where he confirmed his new appointment.
He said he is passionate about the development of the game and looks forward to contributing at a bigger scale in his role with World Rugby.
However, he also hinted that he has not completely shut the door on Fiji.
"It's something that I am really, really invested in is the development and pathways of rugby so I will be working worldwide but hopefully one day I will be be back in Fiji," Raiwalui told the attendees at the awards event according to FBC News.
World Rugby have yet to officially announce his appointment.