With only 9 weeks remaining for the Flying Fijians to take on the Barbarians in Twickenham on June 22nd and then the All Blacks in San Diego on July 20th, the clock is now ticking for the interim board of the Fiji Rugby Union to announce Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coach, Mick Byrne as the new coach of the national 15s team.
The indications are clear that Byrne is the chosen candidate however fijivillage News understands that the FRU is trying to establish whether they can apply for a work permit for their coaches under the laws of Fiji.
The work permit decision has to be made by the government through the Immigration Department after establishing whether attempts are being made to ensure there is a local understudy.
We are currently trying to speak to FRU Interim Chair, Peter Mazey and Immigration Minister, Pio Tikoduadua.
Many are saying that at the moment, we need an expatriate coach who has a proven track record working with Fijian players while options can be considered for locals to understudy the overseas coach.
There are also indications that the local coach interviewed as part of the shortlist had complaints against him that were also sent to World Rugby.
Byrne has been a coach for the Fijian Drua since 2021 and as a former Assistant All Blacks Coach, he won the 2011 and 2015 rugby world cups, eight Tri Nations/ Rugby Championship trophies and a British and Irish Lions tour. Before leaving New Zealand, Byrne was also involved with Auckland-based Super Rugby team the Blues.
He was hired as a skills coach for the Wallabies in 2016 on a four-year contract, and worked alongside coach Michael Cheika.
Byrne has led the Drua to their first Super Rugby Pacific quarter final last year.
If Byrne is announced as Flying Fijians coach, he has to urgently set up a team and prepare them for the big matches against the Barbarians and the All Blacks.
It will also affect the Drua as their last match in round 15 is on 1st June 2024 when they play the Rebels in Lautoka.
The weekend of 8th and 9th June will be the Super Rugby Pacific quarter finals, weekend of 15th and 16th June will be the semi finals and the final is expected to be held on June 22nd.
The Drua have said that Byrne will be released with their blessings as he will be taking up duties to coach the national team, and the franchise will be happy for him.
We are currently trying to get comments on when the announcement will be made.
Stay with us for developments.
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