Former Fiji Under-19 and Under-21 representative and USA rugby player Andrew Durutalo has been appointed Head of Men’s High Performance.
The announcement was made today by FRU General Manager High Performance Naca Cawanibuka, who says Durutalo’s appointment strengthens the organisation’s commitment to building a sustainable, integrated and internationally competitive high-performance system.
Speaking to the media, Durutalo acknowledged Fiji Rugby for trusting him with the role and says he is looking forward to contributing to the development of high performance within Fiji.
He says it is a great pleasure to return home after 20 years and he is looking forward to working with the coaches and staff of Fiji Rugby.
Durutalo is from Tabuquto Village in Ba and has maternal links to Namena Village in Tailevu.
He attended Stella Maris Primary School and completed his secondary education at Suva Grammar School before spending a year at the University of the South Pacific.
Durutalo featured in local competitions for the Northland Rugby team and was also part of the Fiji Warriors and Fiji Barbarians sides.
Durutalo holds an Executive MBA from the University of Oxford, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hakuoh University in Japan, and has undertaken postgraduate studies in International Sports Management through the University of London.
He is fluent in Fijian, English and Japanese.
According to Cawanibuka, Durutalo brings to Fiji Rugby a unique combination of international rugby experience, high-performance leadership, strategic management, commercial expertise and global sports administration.
Cawanibuka says that, born and developed in Fiji, Durutalo was a pioneer member of the Fiji Rugby High-Performance Unit Academy in 2006, where he represented Fiji at age-grade level and captained the Fiji Under-19 and Under-21 teams before embarking on an international playing and professional career.
He says after moving to the United States, Durutalo represented Team USA at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
He adds that his professional playing career also included experience across several international rugby environments, including Japan with the Sunwolves, England with Worcester Warriors and Ealing Trailfinders, as well as professional rugby in the United States.
Cawanibuka says following his playing career, Durutalo transitioned into leadership, management and sports administration, building extensive experience across the global sports industry.
He says Durutalo served as Director of Rugby Operations and General Manager at Hong Kong Football Club, as well as an International Sports Envoy with the U.S. Department of State.
He further says Durutalo has also worked with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, contributing to strategic.
