Fiji Rugby has appointed former international player Andrew Durutalo as its new Head of Men’s High Performance, strengthening efforts to develop a more integrated and internationally competitive rugby pathway.

Durutalo brings extensive international playing and administrative experience to the role, having represented both Fiji at age-grade level and the United States at major international competitions.

Born and raised in Fiji, Durutalo was a member of the Fiji Rugby High-Performance Unit Academy in 2006. He later captained the Fiji Under-19 and Under-21 teams before pursuing a professional career overseas.

He represented Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.

His professional playing career included clubs and competitions in Japan, England and the United States.

Following his playing career, Durutalo moved into sports management and administration. He has served as Director of Rugby Operations and General Manager at Hong Kong Football Club and worked as an International Sports Envoy with the U.S. Department of State.

He has also worked with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee on strategic partnerships, commercial initiatives and athlete development.

Durutalo holds an Executive MBA from the University of Oxford, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hakuoh University in Japan and postgraduate qualifications in International Sports Management from the University of London.

In his new position, Durutalo will help strengthen Fiji Rugby’s men’s high-performance pathway from age-grade programmes through to senior international representation.

He will work across the Fiji Under-18, Under-20, Men’s Sevens and Flying Fijians programmes, with a focus on identifying and developing players and coaches while preparing them for international and professional rugby.

Fiji Rugby General Manager High Performance Naca Cawanibuka said Durutalo’s combination of international experience and understanding of Fijian rugby made him a valuable addition.

“Andrew brings a unique combination of international playing experience, high-performance leadership and global sports administration, but equally important is his understanding of Fiji, our rugby culture and the enormous potential that exists within our player and coach pathways,” Cawanibuka said.

He said Fiji Rugby’s objective was to build a sustainable system rather than simply prepare national teams for individual competitions.

Durutalo will also work closely with the organisation’s Performance Analysis, Sports Science and Sports Medicine, Rugby Development and Match Officials departments.

Fiji Rugby said the integrated approach would strengthen coordination in areas including talent identification, player development, coaching, physical preparation and performance analysis.

The organisation said Durutalo’s international exposure and Fijian background would help raise standards while ensuring the high-performance system remained connected to Fiji’s rugby culture.

Fiji Rugby has welcomed Durutalo back into the national rugby system as it continues efforts to develop a sustainable pathway capable of producing long-term international success.