London Broncos snap up Fiji World Cup star

Drew Darbyshire
Henry Raiwalui Fiji World Cup London Broncos PA

Championship side London Broncos have signed Fiji international half-back Henry Raiwalui for the 2023 season following an impressive World Cup campaign.

The 33-year-old helped Fiji reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, where they fell short against New Zealand.

Raiwalui has won 12 caps for Fiji since making his international debut back in 2011.

London Broncos boss delighted to welcome Henry Raiwalui to the capital

Broncos director of rugby and performance Mike Eccles said: “Henry is everything I’m looking for in a half-back.

“He arrives to the Broncos with a wealth of experience and will be a fantastic person to have in the squad.

“He’s a real competitor and is an incredible threat when he has the ball in his hand. His leadership qualities and temperament will really add value to our team too.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Henry in a Broncos shirt next season. His enthusiasm to get on board with our vision is exciting and Henry will naturally support the development of our own two excellent young halves in Rian (Horsman) and Oli (Leyland).”

Raiwalui was born and raised in Australia and qualifies to play for Fiji through family heritage. He grew up in Suva, Fiji from the age of two until year four of his schooling.

He has more than a decade of experience playing in Australia in the New South Wales Cup.

The experienced playmaker came through the ranks at NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons, playing in the Under-20s competition.

He then went on to play for Blacktown Workers, Wentworthville Magpies and the Mounties.

Raiwalui has represented his Fijian heritage in two World Cups – 2017 and 2021. It will be his first time playing for an English club in 2023.

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