Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne views his role as more of a facilitator rather than an authoritarian.
In the Maul or Nothing podcast, Byrne emphasized that following the success of last year’s Rugby World Cup, he plans to continue building on the team’s strengths rather than imposing his own methods.
“I’m not going to stamp my authority or my way in the group like some other coaches do,” Byrne stated.
The 66-year-old coach believes in understanding the players and determining the best approach for them.
“What is going to suit this group of players? Doing skillset training allows me to see what kind of skills they have and build their game from there. It challenges them to become a little better, which is something great players thrive on,” he explained. “These challenges motivate them to improve in areas where they might be struggling. They always ask questions to become better.”
Byrne also noted that his role as a facilitator is to bring out the best in the players, respecting their unique spirit and style of play.
“This is because the Fijians enjoy the opportunity not to be downtrodden or pushed into a mold but to express their spirit,” he said.
Byrne reflected on the recent tour to England, where playing the Barbarians outside the July Test window posed a challenge, particularly in getting players released from their clubs.
“It was all new to me,” Byrne admitted. “I’ve coached in Australia and New Zealand for 17 years, and it’s never been an issue. The Giteau Law in Australia only involves a few players, and they have someone managing it. I’ve got to get used to it.”
He added that he will now focus on building relationships with the clubs.
Byrne is expected to soon announce the Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup. They will host Samoa on August 23 before traveling to Nukua’lofa to play Tonga on September 6.
In other news, three Fijian Drua players have been confirmed to participate 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 starts on August 9. The players will return to join the Drua for next year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.