Flying Fijians makes four-man shortlist to succeed Simon Raiwalui

Mick Byrne, the head coach of the Fijian Drua, is one of four candidates vying to lead the Flying Fijians in lieu of Simon Raiwalui.Search in sidebar queryAfter the World Cup in France, the well-liked Raiwalui resigned as head coach and is currently playing a significant role in World Rugby. Since then, Barrie-Jon Mather, general manager of the Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit, has confirmed the four-person shortlist, stating to the Fiji Sun, “We have two to interview on Thursday (today) and two on Friday.”

Then, for the second round of interviews, we’ll have one or possibly two; if they impress, we’ll bring them to the islands to experience the local way of life and establish relationships with the unions, Drua, and players so we can see how they’re doing.

In a statement stating: “No further comments on this issue, as it’s only fair to allow Fiji Rugby Union due to process to take its course,” the Drua acknowledged Byrne was in the picture.

One of the main requirements, according to Mather, is having an awareness of Fijian culture. The second round of interviews is scheduled for mid-February. “Having international experience will be crucial; we want someone who understands the culture and how to succeed in it. In the World Cup, Simon (Raiwalui) demonstrated that the team is prepared to advance.

Someone who has experience making it to the semifinals or knows what it takes to get there is needed. The second most crucial factor is cultural fit; if the other person is Fijian, that’s fantastic, but if they’re from the North Island, they need to know how to interact with Fijian culture.

The upcoming international schedules for the men’s and women’s 15s excites Mather, who says: “The ladies will play a number of games in Fiji and more Test matches than before, against some really good oppositions.

“In the November window, we will also host four games for the Flying Fijians in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s an extremely fascinating fifteen-minute programme.

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