Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has expressed that his transition to life and rugby in Fiji has been smooth, positively impacting both his professional and personal life. Originally hailing from Manly in Sydney, Australia, Byrne has traveled extensively throughout his rugby career, but he now considers Fiji his home and primary residence.
Byrne emphasizes that living in Fiji has deepened his understanding of the rich culture and values that underpin Fijian rugby. “I’m based in Fiji now, this is my primary residence. When I go back to Australia, I’m Airbnb-ing, so I feel firmly entrenched in Fiji and I’m loving my time here,” he noted.
Engaging with local life, Byrne has formed strong ties with the Sikituru village near his home, which he believes enhances his coaching connection with the players. His professional journey has taken a significant turn with his involvement in the Drua project, a venture he finds immensely rewarding. “One of my driving forces for joining the Drua was that it was a start-up programme. A lot of development work was required, and that’s what I’ve cut my teeth on in the game,” he explained.
The early phase of the Drua project was not without challenges, particularly during the tough COVID-19 period when many players were confined to their villages without structured training. Despite these hurdles, Byrne was impressed by the resilience and determination of his squad. “What impressed me massively was how hard and resilient they were towards work. They just kept fronting up every day, and that was the inspiring part,” he reflected.
Byrne recognized that while the team is filled with raw talent, there were significant areas for improvement, especially concerning core technical skills. Nevertheless, he believes that their instinctive ability to keep the ball alive is a distinctive feature of Fijian rugby.
A core aspect of Byrne’s experience in Fiji is the cultural concept of Vuvale, which transcends the traditional meaning of family. “Vuvale means we’re all in this together. It’s about the relationships you have with people around you, respecting and caring for everyone, and that’s taken on a much broader meaning for me since coming to Fiji,” he shared.
As Mick Byrne continues to lead the Flying Fijians, his deepening relationship with the people and culture of Fiji is establishing a robust foundation for success, both on the global rugby stage and within the local rugby community. Through his efforts, Byrne not only dedicates himself to the team’s development but also nurtures the spirit of unity and respect that embodies Fijian culture, fostering hope for a promising future in rugby.