Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne views his role as more of a facilitator rather than an authoritarian leader.
During the Maul or Nothing podcast, Byrne emphasized that following the success at last year’s Rugby World Cup, his goal is to build on the team’s strengths rather than impose his own methods.
“I’m not going to stamp my authority or my way in the group like what some other coaches do,” Byrne said.
The 66-year-old coach believes in understanding the players and determining the best approach for them.
“What is going to suit this group of players? Doing skillset training allows me to see their capabilities and build their game from there. Then, I challenge them to improve,” he explained. “Great players thrive on challenges; it motivates them to excel in areas where they struggle. They always seek to improve.”
Byrne stated that as a facilitator, his goal is to bring out the best in the players.
“This is because Fijians enjoy the opportunity not to be suppressed or pushed into a mold that restricts their spirit,” he added.
Byrne mentioned that the recent tour to England, where they played the Barbarians outside the July Test window, posed challenges in getting players released from their clubs.
“It was all new to me,” Byrne remarked. “I’ve coached in Australia and New Zealand for 17 years, and it has never been an issue. The Giteau Law in Australia affects only two or three players, but they have someone managing it. I’ve got to get used to it.”
Byrne said he now needs to find the right approach and start building relationships with the clubs.
He is expected to name the Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup soon, where they will host Samoa on August 23 before traveling to Nukua’lofa to play Tonga on September 6.
Drua players for NPC
Meanwhile, three Fijian Drua players are set to participate in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship. Forwards Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta will play for Tasman Mako, Haereiti Hetet for Bay of Plenty, and Isaia Armstrong-Ravula for Manawatu Turbos. The NPC kicks off on August 9.
The players will return to join the Drua for next year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.