Former Flying Fijians outside back Gabriele Lovobalavu has set the benchmark for most Fijians playing professional rugby around the world after being named the backline coach for the CSBJ Rugby.

CSBJ Rugby is a French rugby union club competing in the third level of the French league.

Lovabalavu says he arrived as a centre-back coach succeeding Sebastien Bouillot who is now in charge of the attack.

The Former Marist Brothers High School and Corpus Christi College student says he has played professional rugby in France for the last 16 years and coaching has always been part of his plan.

He says he has enjoyed his career in France which is his second home now and he wants to give back to the sport that changed his life.

The Savusavu man says he is looking forward to enjoying the transition of being a coach.