Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says he has seamlessly transitioned to life and rugby in Fiji, where he now calls home.
Originally from Manly in Sydney, Australia, Byrne has travelled the world in his rugby journey, but Fiji has captured his heart.
Living in Fiji has allowed him to better understand the culture and values that shape Fijian rugby, and he has built strong connections with both the players and the wider community.
He says the move has helped him better understand the culture and values that shape Fijian rugby.
“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.”
Embracing village life, Byrne has formed close ties with people of Sikituru Village near his home in Nadi, further strengthening his connection to the people he coaches.
He believes that understanding the community is essential in coaching Fijian rugby players effectively.
Professionally, Byrne was drawn to leading the Drua project in its inaugural Super Rugby Pacific year as it was a start-up program that required development from the ground up.
“One of my driving forces for joining the Drua was that it was a start-up program. A lot of development work was required, and that’s what I’ve cut my teeth on in the game.”
Despite the challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 period when players lacked structured training, Byrne was impressed by their resilience and work ethic.
Byrne admits the task of preparing the squad for Super Rugby was demanding but says the players’ resilience quickly stood out.
“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.”
While the squad was rich in raw talent, Byrne says there was a steep learning curve around core technical skills.
However, the players’ natural ability to keep the ball alive and play instinctively was something he believes is uniquely Fijian.
“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,” Byrne explains.
As he continues to guide the Flying Fijians, Byrne’s growing bond with Fiji and its people serves as a powerful foundation for success, both on the international stage and within the rugby community at home.
