Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne sees his role as more of a facilitator.
Byrne discussed this during the Maul or Nothing podcast. He emphasized that following the success of last year’s Rugby World Cup, he plans to continue building on what has worked rather than enforcing a strict regime.
“I’m not going to stamp my authority or my way in the group like what some other coaches do,” Byrne remarked.
The 66-year-old coach stated that he must understand the players and determine what is best for them. “What is going to suit this group of players? Skillset training allows me to see what kind of skills they have and build their game from there. What they are capable of doing and then challenge them to be a little better.
“Great players enjoy these challenges because it motivates them to improve in areas they struggle with. They always keep asking questions to become better.”
Byrne said as a facilitator, he aims to bring out the best in the players. “This is because the Fijians enjoy the opportunity not to be downtrodden or pushed through a hole or curtailed from their spirit.”
He mentioned the recent tour to England where they played the Barbarians outside the July Test window and the challenges in getting players released from their clubs.
“It was all new to me,” Byrne said. “I’ve coached in Australia and New Zealand for 17 years and it has never been an issue. 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 noted that from now on he needs to find the right approach and begin building relationships with the clubs.
He is expected to soon name the Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, where they 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 have been confirmed to play in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship. The forwards are Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta playing for Tasman Mako, Haereiti Hetet for Bay of Plenty, and Isaia Armstrong-Ravula for Manawatu Turbos. The NPC starts on August 9.
The players will return to join the Drua for next year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.