FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne acknowledges that one of the toughest aspects of his role is the selection process for the team.
As he gears up for the upcoming July test matches against the Wallabies and Scotland, Byrne is facing the challenge of training the entire team in just three days prior to their first match.
He says the team is set to assemble in Fiji on the 26 of the months before heading out to Newcastle on the 27.
Despite the limited time for preparation, Byrne emphasises the importance of working hard and ensuring proper player care during the training camp.
“Selection is one of the toughest parts of your role, even in the week-to-week selection,” said Byrne.
“Picking a team to play Australia, there’s going to be pressure there, but I think the pressure is always internal, you manage that and look at what you need to do.”
He understands that many of the players have been heavily involved in professional rugby this season, which adds to the difficulty of assembling the team in a short period.
“We know that there’s a lot of players that are playing professional rugby that are making huge careers for themselves and lives for themselves.
“I’ve met players that grew up in villages here that now speak fluent French, which is something great to see.
Byrne adds one key aspect of the team facing changes is the leadership with the absence of former captain Waisea Nayacalevu. Byrne expresses confidence in Tevita Ikanivere as the captain and believes in his ability to lead the team.
“I’m really looking forward to rekindling my relationship with Tevita Ikanivere, and as a young leader, he’s grown enormously over the last couple of years.
Byrne also is excited about reuniting with Nacanieli Cawanibuka, who has recently rejoined the Fiji Rugby Union as the General Manager of High-Performance Unit.
The two had previously worked together at the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and Byrne looks forward to collaborating with Cawanibuka once again.
The Flying Fijians are scheduled to face the Wallabies on July 6 in Newcastle and Scotland on July 12 in Suva.
