The head coach of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, Mick Byrne, expressed his determination to regroup and prepare for their upcoming match against Spain, following their remarkable 24-19 victory over Wales— a historic achievement as it marked Fiji’s first win against Wales in Cardiff.
The match itself was intense, with both teams receiving yellow cards and Fijian center Semi Radradra receiving a red card. Despite Wales taking an early lead as they sought to end a long losing streak, Fiji turned the tide after halftime, showcasing resilience and a strong fighting spirit.
Byrne highlighted the significance of the win, emphasizing the hard work and dedication of his players. He noted the valuable experience gained from playing European teams on their home turf, which has been essential for the team’s development.
He specifically praised Caleb Muntz, the first-five who was named Player of the Match. Muntz, despite being a relatively young player with limited experience in Super Rugby, excelled by scoring a try and converting several penalties, demonstrating his growth as a player at this level.
Byrne also spoke about the importance of instilling pride in the team’s jersey, regardless of the new faces in the squad. He expressed optimism for Fiji’s future, hoping for their inclusion in the Nations Cup in 2026, which would serve as a substantial stepping stone toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Flying Fijians are set to take on Spain early on Sunday at the José Zorrilla Stadium in Valladolid, ahead of their final match against Ireland later in November.
This string of impressive performances not only showcases the talent and potential within the Fijian team but also brings hope and excitement for what lies ahead in their rugby journey. As they build on their historic win, fans can look forward to the continued growth and success of the Flying Fijians in international rugby competitions.
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