New addition to the Fiji Water Flying Fijians, Sam Wye, received the call-up of a lifetime when head coach Mick Byrne reached out with an unexpected invitation, for him to be part of the team for their first test match against the Wallabies.
The 25-year-old scrum-half, born in New Zealand to Fijian parents who migrated to his country of birth in the 90s, received the call-up of a lifetime.
“I was driving to club training when I saw a missed call from Mick Byrne—I thought it was a prank!” Wye laughed. “He simply asked if I wanted to be part of the squad for the July Test. Of course, I said yes.”
Wye’s relentless work ethic has paid off, culminating in his selection for the Flying Fijians.
He expressed his excitement at the opportunity, stating that it was always a dream of his but one that he didn’t expect to come true so soon.
“My family was over the moon when I told them, this was always a dream, but I didn’t expect it so soon.”
For Wye, the journey to Fiji has been full of pride, pressure, and heartfelt support.
“The two weeks before I flew over to Fiji, my parents were constantly in my ear about training, ‘are you ready?’ It was just an exciting time. Even till now I’m getting messages from family — just words of support, words of wisdom. A huge, huge proud moment not just for my parents, but for my family in New Zealand and in Fiji as well.”
Modeling his game after All Blacks great Aaron Smith and Flying Fijians Frank Lomani, Wye aims to bring elements of their play into his own.
“I’ve always admired Aaron’s passing and leadership, while Frank’s defensive grit and work rate are what I want to bring into my own game,” he said.
The Fiji water Flying Fijians will take on the Wallabies at 3.30pm this Sunday in Newcastle.
