Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has expressed his excitement regarding the team’s draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, characterizing it as both thrilling and beneficial. As Fiji prepares for the expanded tournament, set to be held in Australia with 24 teams, they have been placed in Pool C alongside Argentina, Spain, and Canada.
Byrne views this pool as an intriguing mix of familiarity and opportunities for compelling match-ups. “It’s exciting times, isn’t it? We’ve been waiting for this draw for a while now,” he stated, appreciating the organization of the event. He emphasized the rich history Fiji shares with some of these teams, which adds a unique angle to their upcoming contests.
The chance to compete against Spain and Canada is especially significant, as Fiji has faced both teams recently. “We play Spain and Canada. We’ve played Spain twice in the last two years and had regular matches with Canada through the Pacific Nations Cup. We understand their developments and how they’re progressing,” Byrne noted, signaling Fiji’s preparedness and insight into their opponents.
Another key matchup will be against Argentina, regarded as one of the world’s top teams. Byrne views this challenge as a valuable opportunity, acknowledging Argentina’s competitive spirit and their impressive performances in recent tournaments. “It’s a great opportunity to play against a team that enjoys rugby,” he remarked, referring to the exciting encounters Argentina has participated in since joining the Rugby Championship.
With the introduction of a Round of 16, Fiji has a promising pathway to the knockout stages. Nevertheless, Byrne has underscored the importance of treating each opponent with due respect as the Flying Fijians embark on this challenging journey. This optimistic perspective underscores the team’s commitment and readiness as they aspire for notable success on the world rugby stage.