Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne describes his coaching role as more of a facilitator. During the Maul or Nothing podcast, Byrne emphasized that following last year’s successful Rugby World Cup campaign, he plans to build on the team’s current approach rather than changing it.
“I’m not going to stamp my authority or impose my way on the group like some other coaches do,” Byrne stated.
The 66-year-old coach explained that understanding the players and determining what is best for them is crucial. He focuses on skillset training to assess the players’ abilities and build their game from there, challenging them to improve in areas where they might struggle.
“Great players like these challenges as it motivates them to improve in areas they are struggling. They always keep asking questions to become better,” Byrne added.
He sees his role as bringing the best out of the players, allowing them the freedom to express their innate skills without being overly restricted.
Byrne also noted the challenges of getting player releases from their respective clubs for tours outside the regular Test window, such as the recent tour to England to play the Barbarians.
“This was new to me,” Byrne commented. “Having coached in Australia and New Zealand for 17 years, it was never an issue there. The Giteau Law in Australia only involves two or three players, but they have someone managing it. I’ve got to get used to it,” he added.
Byrne plans to build relationships with the clubs to facilitate smoother player releases in the future. He is expected to announce the Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup soon, which will see the team hosting Samoa on August 23 before traveling to Nukua’lofa to play Tonga on September 6.
In related news, three Fijian Drua players will compete 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 begins on August 9. These players will return to join the Drua for next year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.