Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has expressed his pride in the national team’s performance throughout 2025, which he describes as a year filled with growth, commitment, and overall improvement, despite encountering some disappointing moments, particularly against elite teams. He highlights that knowledgeable observers have acknowledged the progress made by the team.
When asked to encapsulate the past ten test matches with a single word, Byrne emphasized the complexity of the experience, noting, “I think that’s an easy way out. I don’t believe there’s one word that captures it.” He reflected on the disappointment the team felt after narrowly losing to Australia, stating, “We could have won that test. So, after the Australia game, we were disappointed, but still proud of our performance. The following week, we bounced back and defeated Scotland.”
Byrne recognizes the high expectations from fans and maintains that the team has made significant strides in focusing and avoiding distractions by stepping up to their roles consistently. He remarked on the emotional nature of rugby, acknowledging the importance of managing those emotions both on and off the field. “While it’s an emotional game for us, we can’t ride the emotional rollercoaster, even though we might want to. Looking back over the years, I’d say we’re quite proud of what we’ve achieved.”
While some fans have expressed frustration following certain matches, Byrne asserts that the team has indeed grown throughout the year. He is aware of the intense scrutiny that comes with rugby being the top sport in Fiji, acknowledging the inevitable criticism from fans. The success of Fiji’s sevens team has led to heightened expectations for the Flying Fijians, and Byrne has addressed the distinct challenges of the fifteen-a-side format.
He emphasized the need to respect the ball and adopt a different style of play to remain competitive against leading rugby nations. Despite the desire from supporters for a particular style, Byrne pointed out that such approaches may not yield the desired results against the world’s best teams.
Byrne’s reflections encapsulate a hopeful outlook for the future of Fijian rugby, with an understanding of the challenges ahead and the commitment to a progressive path that honors the unique flair of their gameplay.
Leave a comment