Fiji agree to part ways with Mick Byrne 18 months out from Rugby World Cup

Flying Fijians Head Coach Mick Byrne and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) have mutually agreed to part ways 18 months out from Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. The FRU announced the update on social media about three months before the Nations Championship.

Byrne has an extensive coaching CV that includes stints with Scotland, the All Blacks, Japan and the Wallabies. The Australian joined the Fijian Drua as head coach ahead of the team’s inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign, remaining in that role for multiple seasons.

It was announced in April 2024 that Bryne would take charge of the national team, who had made the quarter-finals at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Fiji started their new era under Byrne against the Barbarians before facing Georgia that July.

Fiji suffered a narrow defeat to the Wallabies in Newcastle, Australia, ahead of last year’s highly anticipated Lions Series. After winning the Pacific Nations Cup, the Flying Fijians would later take on the likes of England, France and Spain during the November international window.

But a new head coach will lead the team through to next year’s showpiece event in Australia, with this significant announcement made by the FRU on Wednesday afternoon. The FRU have also asked fans to “stay tuned” with “more updates to follow soon.”

“Fiji Rugby Union and Fiji Water Flying Fijians Head Coach Mick Byrne have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately,” the statement on social media reads.

“We thank Mick for his dedication, passion, and contribution to Fijian rugby over the past five years – his impact on the Flying Fijians and the Drua has helped lay a strong foundation for the future.”