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Former All Blacks assistant Mick Byrne expected to coach Fiji – report
By Finn Morton
Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne is set to leave the improving Super Rugby Pacific outfit at the end of the season to take up the top job with the national team, according to a report.
Byrne, 65, has experience at the international level as an assistant coach with both the All Blacks and Wallabies, but has spent the last three years with the Fijian Drua.
The AFL premiership winner led the Drua to their first-ever trip to the playoffs last time around, with the Fijians falling to eventual champions the Crusaders in the quarter-finals.
This season, the seventh-placed Drua are currently on track for another trip to the finals. It would be a fitting sendoff for Byrne who is reportedly “expected to step away from leading the Drua.”
New Zealand Herald scribe Liam Napier has reported that “several sources” have revealed that Bryne “will soon be preparing to coach against Scott Robertson’s men.” The Flying Fijians are set to take on the All Blacks during the July internationals in San Diego.
But before that, Fiji’s first match in 2024 is against the Barbarians at Twickenham on June 22 – the same day as the Super Rugby Pacific final. Fiji will also face Georgia during the Test window.
It’s understood that Byrne was up against Senirusi Seruvakula for the role. Seruvakula has previously coached the Fiji women’s team and the Fijiana Drua to a Super W title.
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Latest Comments
Always proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
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