Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says skills come first, not decision making, in a spirited exchange at the Fiji Rugby Union symposium in Suva. He answered a question from rugby legend Waisale Serevi about whether players should prioritise a polished skill set over on-field decision making, a debate that links to Fiji’s ambitious plans for the Rugby World Cups in 2027, 2031 and 2035.
Byrne argued that when a player can’t pass with the non-dominant hand, the skill isn’t fully developed and the subconscious mind won’t look for certain options. He explained that training should expand the player’s skill set so decision making naturally improves. He also drew on his time with the All Blacks, where he served as a skills and kicking coach, to illustrate how solid technique lays the groundwork for smarter choices in the heat of match play.
The Flying Fijians boss emphasised that improvement in decision making follows from strong fundamentals and that drills focused on skill development will encourage players to explore in-game decisions. He stressed that he has worked with some of the best players in the world and knows that when skill levels are right, decision making tends to follow.
Byrne also spoke about his leadership style, describing himself as a facilitator rather than a strict authority figure. He has repeatedly said his job is to identify what suits the current group, challenge players to lift their game, and allow them to express their natural talent. That approach has helped him emphasise player ownership and creativity, a trait the Fiji team is keen to showcase on the world stage.
The symposium kicked off a busy week in Suva, with Byrne joined by notable figures such as Fiji Sevens star Osea Kolinisau, Fijiana 7s coach Richie Walker, and Fijiana XV head coach Ioan Cunningham as part of day one’s lineup.
Looking ahead, Fiji are preparing for the Pacific Nations Cup, with a high-stakes clash against Tonga set for this weekend at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, a 3.30pm kickoff. The tournament schedule also points toward Fiji’s August 23 encounter with Samoa in Suva and a trip to Nuku’alofa to face Tonga on September 6, underscoring Fiji’s push to build depth and cohesion ahead of future World Cups.
Supporting the broader development of Fiji rugby, three Fijian Drua players will compete in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship this season—Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta with Tasman Mako, Haereiti Hetet with Bay of Plenty, and Isaia Armstrong-Ravula with Manawatu Turbos—before returning to join the Drua for next year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition. Byrne and Fiji Rugby appear committed to strengthening ties with clubs to ensure player availability and long-term growth.
Commentators and fans alike can view this as a hopeful, positive path for Fiji: a player-centered approach that prioritises skill development as the engine for smarter decision making, backed by modular squad depth and strengthened club relationships as they chase success in regional tournaments and beyond. Overall, the emphasis on skill-first coaching and intelligent leadership bodes well for Fiji’s ongoing competitive journey.
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