Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has emphasized that character and conditioning will be more critical than just talent in shaping the squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Byrne highlighted the need for players who possess mental strength and discipline to endure the rigorous demands of a long World Cup campaign.
He acknowledged that Fiji already has significant rugby ability, stating that the focus now is on identifying individuals who can effectively execute this talent over seven intense weeks. “When you go away on a seven-week tour, you need to make sure you’ve got real good men with you. Those are the qualities we’ll be looking for… We know that the rugby is not the issue,” Byrne said.
In his vision for the team’s selection, fitness, conditioning, and unity will play pivotal roles, overshadowing purely skill-based considerations. Although Fiji has a wealth of world-class talent in various positions, Byrne believes that the key differentiator for the 2027 squad will be players who can maintain connections with their teammates, remain committed, and support each other throughout the challenging tournament.
The emphasis on mental resilience and team cohesion reflects a forward-thinking approach to the upcoming World Cup, setting a solid foundation for Fiji’s aspirations on the global rugby stage.
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