FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has shared a heartfelt message to fans as the team embarks on its journey to Europe for the Autumn Nations Series. He emphasized the vital role supporters play during matches, particularly as the team prepares to compete against formidable opponents like England and France.
Byrne expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support from fans, stating, “For all our fans, you know the boys absolutely appreciate the love and support they get from everyone. They miss their home crowd. We know what our crowds bring. Understand the boys know that and they think about you all the time. They go out to perform and make you proud.” He hopes that fans in the Northern Hemisphere will rally, creating an atmosphere akin to home by waving flags and cheering passionately.
Having already departed, the Flying Fijians are set to face England on November 9 at Twickenham Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 5:40 AM (Fiji time). Reflecting on the team’s preparation, Byrne highlighted the effectiveness of their recent camp, which included an innovative “reg night camp.” As a first for the team, this initiative aims to enhance player cohesion and clarity regarding their game plan.
“We are doing a reg night camp which we haven’t done before. It’s the first time we’ve done it, so we’ll get all our players in for a couple of days at the beginning of the week. We’ll be able to get some work done, some clarity on the way we want to play,” Byrne noted, also sharing the high spirits of the players as they came together like a family after various prior commitments.
The inclusion of newcomers Tim Hoyt, Pita Gus Sowakula, and Atu Sokobale adds depth to the squad, with Byrne particularly praising Sowakula’s experience with the All Blacks and strong performance in recent Super Rugby seasons. His versatility and mobility are expected to enhance the team’s dynamic gameplay.
Byrne’s strategy appears to effectively merge seasoned players with emerging talents, positioning the Flying Fijians well to exhibit their distinctive style in the upcoming matches. As Fijian rugby continues to rise, there is widespread hope among fans for remarkable performances that not only signify resilience and skill but also inspire future generations of players.