FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has sent a heartfelt message to fans ahead of the team’s departure for the Autumn Nations Series, urging supporters in the Northern Hemisphere to make their presence felt.
“For all our fans, you know the boys absolutely appreciate the love and support they get from everyone. They miss their home crowd.
“We know what our crowds bring. Understand the boys know that and they think about you all the time. They go out to perform and make you proud. For our fans up North we need you to create some home grounds for us. We need you to get out there with the flags and be nice and loud.
“Let the boys know you’re there. It will feel like home. Just hear the songs and hear the crowd. It will inspire them. We’re looking forward to catching up with our Fiji community up North,” Byrne said.
The Flying Fijians departed the country on Saturday and will play their first Test against England on November 9 at Twickenham Stadium, with kick-off at 5.40am (Fiji time).
Reflecting on the team’s preparation, Byrne said the camp setup had been different this time but productive.
“We are doing a reg night camp which we haven’t done before. It’s the first time we’ve done it, so we’ll get all our players in for a couple of days at the beginning of the week. We’ll be able to get some work done, some clarity on the way we want to play.
“The Northern Hemisphere boys will go back to their clubs and then the Drua boys will stay and get a bit more work done. Then everyone comes in next (this) Sunday for the equivalent test,” he explained.
He added that the team’s energy was high as players reunited after the Pacific Nations Cup.
“It’s always exciting when we come together. It’s like a family that’s been away and then we come back together. It creates a lot of energy.
“So I’m looking forward to getting over there on Sunday night and getting into it on Monday (today),” Byrne added.
On the inclusion of newcomers Tim Hoyt, Pita Gus Sowakula, and Atu Sokobale, Byrne said their addition brings versatility and dynamism to the side.
“Peter Gus, we know he’s been a great player in the past. He’s represented the All Blacks and he’s had a great Super Rugby season. He’s been going very well in France.
“He’s a dynamic player. It’s just great to have another back-rower that can play in a couple of positions, six or eight. He’s mobile around the field and gives us the game we want to play, the game that suits Fiji,” he said.
