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"It Has Been An Honour": Flying Fijians Head Coach Mick Byrne Resigns
Iliesa Tora, RNZ Pacific senior sports journalist
Flying Fijians head Coach Mick Byrne has resigned from the position.
The Fiji Rugby Union made the announcement about the national men's coach in Nadi this afternoon.
FRU chief executive officer Koli Sewabu said they had come to a mutual agreement with Byrne.
Although nothing is mentioned in today's statement, Byrne has reportedly been unwell and in early March told RNZ Pacific the FRU was reviewing his condition.
Sewabu said on Wednesday afternoon that after discussions with Byrne the former All Black kicking coach has decided to step down.
"Mick has been fully committed to his role and remains dedicated to the players and staff," he said.
"Out of respect for the team and to ensure the program can continue in the direction that Fiji Rugby has set for the future, Mick and Fijj Rugby have decided to part ways so FRU can move forward."
Byrne took over as Flying Fijians head Coach in 2024, after a two year stint with the Fijian Drua.
He said that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve Fiji Rugby.
"It has been an honour to work with the Flying Fijians players and staff," Byrne said in a joint statement with Sewabu.
The FRU will now work on finding an interim coaching team ahead of July's Nations Championship in the UK when the Flying Fijians have matches against England, Wales and Scotland .
But beyond this, it will look to lock in a head Coach to take the team forward to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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