 Summoned for the final stages by the coach who also gave him his debut, Michel Platini, Vahirua played twice in an eventual group stage exit, and was also part of the nation's infamous 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, with two home losses in the final two rounds.With a total of 22 internationals, he was the first Polynesian ever to don the French shirt.Vahirua is cousin to another footballer and winger, Marama Vahirua.