Graham Dewes

Graham Dewes
Birth nameGraham Charles Dewes
Date of birth (1982-01-24) 24 January 1982 (age 42)
Place of birthSuva, Fiji
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight118 kg (260 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2001-2007 Marist Brothers Old Boys RFC 49 (0)
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2007, 2014 Thames Valley 14 (0)
2009–2010 Counties Manukau 20 (0)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2007–2012 Fiji 29 (10)
Coaching career
Years Team
2022– Fiji (Forwards Coach)
2019–2023 Northland (Forwards Coach)

Graham Charles Dewes (born 24 January 1982 in Suva) is a former Fijian rugby union player. Known for his contributions to the Fijian national team. Dewes played as a prop and gained prominence during his international career, particularly during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. His memorable moment came when he scored the winning try against Wales, helping Fiji reach the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time since 1987. Dewes' performance in the World Cup and his overall impact on Fijian rugby have made him a notable figure in the sport.

Playing Career

Dewes got his first cap for Fiji on 26 May 2007 in a 30–15 win over Japan. He was a member of the Fiji squad that entered the 2007 Rugby World Cup finals, playing in four matches and scoring the winning try in the 38–34 win over Wales putting Fiji through to their first quarter final in 20 years.[1] Fiji lost that quarter final to eventual winners South Africa despite drawing 20-all for a period in the 2nd half.[2] He had 7 caps by the end of the competition. His mother is Rotuman from Noa'tau, Rotuma. Before his selection into the 2007 squad he had only played third division rugby in the NPC in New Zealand. He played in Auckland's age grades through to U-23s, and Thames Valley in the NPC. He played for Counties Manukau Steelers in New Zealand.[citation needed]

In November 2022, Dewes was named as Fiji's new forwards coach.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ "Wales 34-38 Fiji". BBC. 29 September 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  2. ^ "South Africa 37-20 Fiji". BBC. 7 October 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  3. ^ Curuqara, Paulini (4 November 2022). "Cotter keeps hopes high". FijiTimes. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  4. ^ Prasad, Vashneel (3 November 2022). "NOVEMBER TOUR: Updates from Coach Vern Cotter". Official Website of Fiji Rugby Union. Retrieved 1 March 2023.