Drua Coach Mick Byrne has been appointed the new Head Coach of the Fiji Water Flying Fijians.
Following an extensive and rigorous selection and negotiation process, Fiji Rugby resolved to appoint Byrne, whose formal application for a long-term work permit was granted by the Department for Immigration yesterday April 15, 2024.
Byrne brings a wealth of international experience to the role, coaching at Test match level with Scotland, Japan, the Wallabies and the All Blacks.
He will complete this Super Rugby Pacific season with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua while overseeing the Flying Fijians preparations for the Barbarians, All Blacks test, July tests, and the end of the year European Tour.
The acceptance, and issuance of a long-term Fiji Work Permit, to Byrne by the Department of Immigration, was a prerequisite to this announcement as Fiji Rugby saw it imperative and necessary, to provide ample opportunity for him to obtain independent legal advice.
This was a crucial step in complying with the immigration laws of Fiji and equally aligning with World Rugby’s selection criteria, guided by an Agreement executed between World Rugby, the Fiji Government, Fiji Rugby and ONOC in May 2023.
