Former Fiji international Simon Raiwalui named Wallabies forwards' coach

The Wallabies' hunt for a forwards coach is over, with former Fiji international Simon Raiwalui named to take on the task through to the end of 2019.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika had kept his cards close to his chest in the hunt for a replacement for Mario Ledesma, who took the reins of the Jaguares in Super Rugby this year, with a number of international and Australian coaches in the mix, before Raiwalui's appointment was announced on Monday.

Born in New Zealand and educated in Australia, Raiwalui played Australian schoolboys alongside former Wallabies Ben Tune and Joe Roff and club rugby with Sydney side Manly.

The lock tallied 46 Test caps for Fiji, as well as a decorated playing career in the UK and France, captaining English side Saracens.

Raiwalui joined the coaching ranks at French powerhouse Racing 92 in 2012, before switching to their Top 14 rivals Stade Francais in 2014, and moving to Biarritz this season.

The 43-year-old's resume is not dissimilar to that of his predecessor, with both spending much of their careers in Europe, and he said he hoped he could draw on his global experiences in his new role as he returns to Australia for the first time in 20 years.

Raiwalui will join the Wallabies at the end of Biarritz's season, ahead of their June Series against Ireland.