Former Wallabies assistant poised to take over as Fiji national coach

Mick Byrne, an Australian native and former Australian Rules Football (AFL) premiership winner with the Hawthorn Football Club in 1991, has made a significant impact in the world of rugby coaching since his transition from Australian rules football. Byrne's rugby coaching career began in earnest when he joined the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) as an assistant coach for the All Blacks in 2016 under Steve Hansen. After two years with the All Blacks, Byrne moved on to join Michael Cheika's coaching staff with the Australian national team, the Wallabies, in 2018.

Currently, Byrne serves as the head coach of Super Rugby Pacific franchise Fijian Drua. According to recent reports, Byrne is set to take on an additional role as the head coach of the Fijian national team, replacing John McKee who stepped down from the position in December 2022. The Fijian Rugby Union (FRC) confirmed that they had begun negotiations with Byrne regarding the position and were optimistic about reaching an agreement.

Byrne's appointment as Fiji's head coach comes at an exciting time for the Pacific Island nation's rugby program. The Fijian team has been making waves in international rugby, with their dynamic and attacking style of play earning them a reputation as one of the most entertaining teams to watch. In 2019, they reached the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in their history, losing to Wales.

Byrne's experience working with high-performing teams in both the AFL and rugby spheres, combined with his time spent working with the All Blacks and Wallabies, makes him an excellent fit for leading Fiji's national team. His appointment is expected to bring stability and continuity to the Fijian program, as he will also continue his role with Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific.

The Fijian Rugby Union is hopeful that Byrne's appointment will help the team build on their recent successes and continue their upward trajectory in international rugby. The exact terms of his contract have not been disclosed at this time, but it is expected that he will officially take up his new role in the coming weeks.

Byrne's journey from AFL champion to successful rugby coach is an inspiring one, and his appointment as Fiji's head coach is a testament to his versatility and adaptability in different coaching environments. With his proven track record and passion for the game, Byrne is poised to make a significant impact on Fijian rugby and lead the team to even greater heights.