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Mick Byrne named new Fiji head coach
By Josh Raisey
Fiji have named Mick Byrne as their new head coach, ending a lengthy selection process to find Simon Raiwalui's successor.
Fiji have been without a coach since the end of the World Cup after Raiwalui stood down from the role, but Byrne has come out on top of a sizeable shortlist of candidates. His formal application for a long-term work permit was granted by the Department for Immigration on Monday.
The Australian is the current Fijian Drua head coach in Super Rugby Pacific and will continue until the end of the season while working with the national team as they prepare for matches against the Barbarians, the All Blacks, Samoa, Tonga and the end of year Tests.
The 65-year-old brings with him plenty of experience of the international arena, having worked as an assistant coach with Scotland, the All Blacks and Australia. He also brings multi-sport experience, having won an AFL premiership as a player with Hawthorn.
He led the Drua to the Super Rugby play-offs last season, losing to eventual winners the Crusaders in the quarter-finals having beaten them earlier in the competition. This season, his side sit in seventh place in the table.
The Fiji Rugby Union have emphasised throughout this process that their new head coach must have an understanding of Fijian rugby, and they believe Byrne fits the bill, saying in a statement: "Mick also brings a deep understanding and love for Fijian rugby proven by the progress and achievements of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua."
Byrne will address the media on Thursday over his new role.
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Latest Comments
Hey Nick,
Great article and yes it has been hard going as a life long Wales supporter. We have had some great periods since the illustrious 70s that Graham Price continually reminds us about and we are currently going through some tough times but there is no point being a fair weather fan, we need to stay true through thick or thin.....and I truly admire you taking the time to engage with a certain Wallaby follower on this platform who has nothing positive to say about anyone especially a Kiwi coach so lucky Warren has thick skin.
Nobody seems to have the answers for the Welsh rugby problem atm but I hope the WRU executives can find an holistic and long term solution. Sacking Gatland can only be worthwhile if there is a better option available and a long term strategy is implemented that all the stake holders can embrace.
Love your stuff Nick, keep up the good work!
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