Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne describes his coaching style as more of a facilitator. Speaking on the Maul or Nothing podcast, Byrne emphasized that after last year’s success at the Rugby World Cup, he intends to build on the team’s achievements rather than impose a rigid coaching style.
“I’m not going to stamp my authority or my way in the group like what some other coaches do,” Byrne stated.
The 66-year-old coach explained that understanding the players is crucial. “What is going to suit this group of players? So doing skillset training enables 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.”
Byrne believes that great players welcome challenges as it motivates them to improve in areas they struggle with. “They always keep asking questions to become better.”
As a facilitator, Byrne’s aim is 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 to be curtailed from their spirit.”
Reflecting on the recent tour to England where they played the Barbarians outside the July Test window, Byrne noted the difficulty in obtaining player releases from their clubs. “It was all new to me,” he remarked. “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.”
Byrne acknowledged he needs to adapt to the situation and will start building relationships with the clubs. He is expected to soon announce the Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, where they will 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. 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.