Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has expressed his pride in the team’s journey throughout 2025, a year marked by significant growth, commitment, and development, despite facing some challenges against elite teams. He highlighted that their achievements have not gone unnoticed by those who closely follow the sport.
Byrne noted that summarizing the team’s ten test matches in just one word would not capture the depth of their experiences. He reflected on the disappointment felt after not securing a win against Australia but was uplifted by their strong comeback performance against Scotland.
With growing expectations from fans, Byrne emphasized the team’s progress in maintaining focus and avoiding distractions. He stressed the importance of consistent performance and managing the emotional aspects of rugby. The coach conveyed a deep sense of pride in the achievements of the team while acknowledging the inherent pressures that come from being the nation’s premier team.
Byrne recognized that the success of Fiji’s sevens team has led supporters to hope for similar results from the Flying Fijians, who face different technical demands in the fifteen-a-side format. He emphasized that adaption is crucial to compete effectively against the top rugby nations while still embodying the unique spirit of Fijian rugby.
As the team transitions, Byrne urged the Flying Fijians to embrace a more disciplined approach to playing the game, recognizing that while fans are eager for exhilarating moments, those moments must translate into tangible results at the highest competitive levels. His remarks serve as a reminder of the delicate balance needed between maintaining Fiji’s distinctive flair and achieving success on the global rugby stage.