Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has shared how seamlessly he has transitioned to life and rugby in Fiji, greatly enhancing both his personal and professional experiences. Originally from Manly in Sydney, Australia, Byrne has traveled widely throughout his rugby career but now considers Fiji his home.
Byrne has noted that residing in Fiji has allowed him to deepen his appreciation for the vibrant culture and values central to Fijian rugby. He remarked, “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.”
His engagement with local life has strengthened his connection not only with the community but also with the players. Byrne has established significant ties with the Sikituru village near his home, believing this bond enhances his coaching effectiveness. His involvement in the Drua project, which he finds rewarding, reflects his commitment to the development of rugby in the region. “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 noted.
Although the early stages of the Drua project faced challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when players were limited to their villages and lacked structured training, Byrne was inspired by the resilience and commitment displayed by 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 recounted.
Byrne acknowledged that while the team possesses a wealth of raw talent, there are critical areas requiring improvement, particularly in technical skills. However, he appreciates that one of Fijian rugby’s unique strengths is the players’ instinctive ability to maintain possession and keep the ball alive.
A pivotal aspect of Byrne’s experience in Fiji has been the cultural concept of Vuvale, which signifies a deep sense of togetherness that goes beyond the traditional notion 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 explained.
As Mick Byrne continues to guide the Flying Fijians, his growing connection with the people and culture of Fiji lays a solid foundation for triumph, both on the international rugby scene and within the local rugby framework. Through his dedication to the team’s development, Byrne is not only contributing to the game’s growth but also promoting the values of unity and respect that are synonymous with Fijian culture, signaling a hopeful outlook for the future of rugby in the region.