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RNZ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Flying Fijians coach 'really annoyed' by PNC prep time, squad limits
The Flying Fijians v Tonga in Nuku'alofa in a Pacific Nations Cup Pool A match last year. Photo: World Rugby As the Flying Fijians gear up for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) 2025, head coach Mick Byrne has raised two key issues that he says continue to affect Pacific Island teams. Byrne told RNZ Pacific that with Fiji, Samoa and Tonga and Samoa having majority of their players based in Europe, short preparation time and smaller squads "makes it very difficult for us to get ahead". He said he had raised the short preparation times given to teams competing in the PNC, and July internationals, compared to Rugby World Cup preparations. The Flying Fijians could only start their preparations for the one-off Test match against the Wallabies on 6 July the weekend prior to that. Mick Byrne Photo: Fiji Rugby Following the match against Scotland, members of the Flying Fijians squad have dispersed and returned to their various clubs, some returning to France and the United Kingdom. They will march back into camp in Suva mid-August to prepare for their PNC match against Tonga in Suva on 30 August. It is a financial issue because of the costs incurred, but Byrne said World Rugby should play fair. "I've spoken to World Rugby at a World Rugby coaching conference over in Sydney earlier in the year, where I raised the issue around you know, our teams perform well at World Cups because we get a five or six week window to prepare before we go to a World Cup," he said. "We should have those windows all the time. But you know, it's a cost, and it's an expense, and at the moment, it's being pushed on to the unions. "But for us, and for Tonga and Samoa, our players are in the northern hemisphere. A lot of our players are playing and earning their income from the Northern Hemisphere. So we can't just, it's not an easy expense. "It's not like Australia or New Zealand, where all the players are in that country, and you can run a three day camp and they'll just turn up on the Sunday. "We've got to fly players in from all over the world. So it is a challenge." Manu Samoa v 'Ikale Tahi during the Pacific Nations Cup 2024. Photo: World Rugby He said, while Rugby World Cup allowed for squad numbers of 32 or 33, the PNC teams are only allowed 28 players each. "I think the PNC is not set up for us as well. It's set up for the rich clubs and the rich organisations, because we're only allowed to name 28 players, which isn't enough for us to survive on," he said. He said if one of the 28 players got injured, the team have to replace the player out of the tournament. "In the World Cup, you get 32 or 33 players. I don't understand why the PNC organisers are making it so difficult for the islands to get ahead, and I'm really annoyed with that. "The fact is, I've been told I can select 28 players, but if I get a player injured and I have to replace him, I have to replace him for the whole tournament, and our depth just doesn't go like that. "So, I'm not sure what the PNC are trying to do. I know they do it in a World Cup, but I think PNC should be trying to grow the organisations in the Southern Hemisphere and the Pacific Islands, not making life more difficult." Byrne said if they name five props and three hookers, plus three halfbacks that is 11 players already, which would leave the other 12 positions shared by 17 players. "If you name your five props, and one of your props gets injured and he's only going to be out for a week, but you can't afford to not replace him, because you need to be able to put fit players on the field. "So if we had to lose a prop for a week, we've got to actually lose replace him out of the whole tournament. Absolutely, absolutely ridiculous. "And I'm not sure who the PNC think they are when they put these sort of restrictions on struggling organisations like Tonga Samoa and Fiji. "I'm sure the USA and Canada are in the same boat, but the USA are playing in the USA. So you know, at the end of the day, when we get to a final series, we gotta travel. We gotta fly people over to replace for one week. It just makes it very difficult for us to get ahead." RNZ Pacific has reached out to Oceania Rugby, which manages the PNC on behalf of World Rugby, for clarification on the issues Bryne raised. Tonga's head coach Tevita Tuifua also raised the same issues during the week, adding that is is a difficult situation for them. He said while they are supported mainly by World Rugby, they are hopeful that both the issues could be looked at and rectified, to ensure that island unions are able to compete on the same levelled playing field with bigger nations. "It is a challenge and a big one because with the preparation time it is just too short but it is also expensive to have longer camps," he said. "On top of that, like Fiji and Samoa, we are also flying our players from different parts of the world. "And then having to go through the squad numbers and replacement rules, that makes it tougher on us, because we do not have the player depth." Last Thursday, Manu Samoa assistant coach Census Johnstone said they had to cramp their preparation for their one-off test against Scotland into a short week. He said that is a major challenge island nation unions face.
RNZ News
13-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Flying Fijians topple Scotland in front of home crowd
Fiji's Jiuta Wainiqolo (L) runs the ball towards the try line during the rugby Test match between Fiji and Scotland at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on July 12, 2025. Photo: AFP / Josua Buredua Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says the 29-14 win against Scotland on Saturday was a result of hard work. Byrne made the comments after the one-off Test match at the National Stadium in Suva. With over 10,000 fans in attendance, including Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Fiji turned the pressure on midway into the first half and continued that in the second spell to claim the win and avenge last year's loss in Scotland. "Really pleased for our players," the former Scotland assistant coach said. "The amount of work they put in in such a short period of time and they got the result today." Captain Tevita Ikanivere paid tribute to the players, who fought until the last whistle to secure the win. He said the disappointing three points loss to the Wallabies the weekend before was something that the team had at the back of their mind, as they took on the touring Scottish side at Laucala. "Thank the brothers for giving their all today," he said. "Hard fought battle. I thank the Scottish team for coming down to Fiji, the only Tier One nation that has come down to play us." Scotland coach Gregory Townsend said the Fijians were better and he was disappointed for the loss. "Fiji deserved to win. Disappointed for the overall performance, disappointed that we didn't work on the good start we had." Scotland had taken an early lead but they were down 15-7 at halftime. Fullback Kyle Rowe crossed the Fiji tryline three minutes into the game, and after messing up near the visitors' tryline the Fijians managed to get points on the board through the boots of flyhalf Caleb Muntz. Skipper Ikanivere added more points through a try from a rare driving maul in the 36th minute, before winger Kalaveti Ravouravou finished off a backline movement when he ran untouched from a Salesi Rayasi pass. In the second half, Scotland scored first again, through inside centre Tom Jordan, after the visitors had broken through midfield and quick recycling of the ball saw Jordan go over. France-based Jiuta Wainiqolo then broke through to score in the 60th minute, having received and inside pass from Muntz. Then a penalty try was awarded to the Fijians after Scottish winger Darcy Graham was ruled offside, and interfering with the ball, when the Fijian backline had spun the ball wide, with two players on the outside two metres from the tryline. Graham was red carded, having received an earlier yellow card in the game, and Scotland were on the receiving end of a penalty try to their hosts. And as the last seconds ticked away the Fijians were stopped short again, number eight Elia Canakaivata held up on the line as he bulldozed his way over. A highlight of the day's program was the recognition of former Flying Fijians who had played against Scotland in 1997. That included Joeli Veitayaki and Filipe Rayasi, whose sons Haeriet Hetit and Salesi Rayasi played for Fiji yesterday. Hetit is Veitayaki's son while Salesi is Filipe's son. The Flying Fijians will now prepare for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup while Scotland will meet Manu Samoa at Eden Park on Friday night.
Scoop
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
From Fathers To Sons: Fiji Rugby Legacy Continues Against Scotland
Flying Fijians v Scotland Kickoff: 3pm Saturday, 12 July National Stadium, Suva, A former Flying Fijians captain Joeli Veitayaki is excited by the selection of his son, and the son of a former teammate, in the Fijian national team to play against Scotland this weekend. Veitayaki's son Haereiti Hetet was on the bench last week against the Wallabies, and has also been named as back-up prop for this weekend's big game at the National Stadium in Suva. Former Hurricanes player Salesi Rayasi will play his second game for the Fijians on Saturday, following his debut against the Wallabies in Sydney last Sunday. Salesi's dad Filipe played in the same Fiji teams with Veitayaki between 1994 and 1997. In Suva this week, the Whangarei-based former prop visited his son and Salesi, stating his excitement that both the players have continued the legacy he and Filipe had left behind. "I played prop for Fiji. My son Haereiti is also a prop. Filipe was a fullback and his son Salesi also plays fullback and wing. "And on top of that we both hailed from Matuku Island in Lau. I am proud to see both the boys now playing together for Fiji and playing in the positions we played in during our time with Fiji." Veitayaki, who travelled to Fiji last week, wanted to watch the two "sons of Matuku" and the Flying Fijians square-off against the touring Scots. He also visited the Fiji Rugby Union office in the capital where he met with former Flying Fijians mates Jiko Matawalu, the current FRU operations manager, Paula Biu, the current Flying Fijians manager and Viliame Gadolo, a manager with the FRU High Performance Unit. Veitayaki, 58, was in the Fijian side that defeated Scotland 51-26 in Suva in May 1998, in which he also scored a try. He played Super Rugby for the Chiefs (1996) and the Blues (1999), as well as appearing at the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cup. He said Scotland would not be an easy team to beat, despite missing some big names who are with the British and Irish Lions. But he is confident the Fijians can beat their visitors, after watching how close the team came to beating the Wallabies last weekend in Newcastle. "They just need to stick with their game plan, make sure they dominate upfront, defend strongly and let the backline utilise possession everytime they are able to," he said. "Scotland will be very physical and our boys will need to be upfront with them, pressure them on defence." While Salesi will start the match off, Hetet is expected to come off the bench in the second half. Changes Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has made just two changes to his starting lineup that [ l ost 21-18] against the Wallabies last Sunday. Prop Mesake Doge replaces Peni Ravai, while Sireli Maqala slots in for Iosefo Masi at outside centre. Two changes have also been made on the bench, with Hawkes bay halfback Sam Wye set to make his debut. Wye replaces Phillip Baselala, who also made his debut last weekend. France-based Vilimoni Botitu is the backline cover. Byrne said he expects Scotland to be physical, especially at the breakdowns, and the Fijians will need to be ready for that. He knows that because he was once an assistant coach for the Scottish national side, from 2002 to 2005. "Having coached Scotland myself, I know the Scottish players too well," he told the media in Suva "They'll come tight. They'll be a good group of players when they come together. "We need to match them on Saturday. It's going to be a great game and it's going to be worthwhile turning up to watch." He does not think the visitors will miss those who are in the British and Irish Lions team in Australia because the players have played together for a long time. The loose trio of Lekima Tagitavigalu (6), Elia Canakaivata and Viliame Mata (8) has been retained, along with the locking pair of Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua. There is a lot of speed and power in the backline, with 'The Bus' Josua Tuisova and Maqala, who have been top performers in the French Top14 competition for the last two seasons, pairing in midfield. Salesi Rayasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Kalaveti Ravouvou have also been retained as the back three. Coach privileged Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said that he was privileged to be back in Fiji, where he last played in 1993. That was when the former flyhalf played at the Fiji International Sevens tournament, at the National Stadium, where his warriors will face Fiji. "I feel very privileged to be here," he told reporters in Suva. "It's a unique opportunity in life, in a rugby career, to spend time in this wonderful country. When we were at the stadium, it reminded me of the first time I was here, back in 1993. "I have a love of Fijian rugby as a supporter, and then as a coach, having worked with some Fijian players in Glasgow, I've always admired the mindset that Fijian players play with and how they play the game." Scotland kicked off their New Zealand Fiji tour in Whangeri last Saturday, beating the Maori All Blacks 29-26. Both teams scored four tries apiece but the difference was Adam Hastings boots, the player converting a penalty. Fijian heritage number eight Alexander Masibaka told FBC News in Suva on Thursday he looks forward to the opportunity to play against the Flying Fijians. However, the 23 year old has been left out of the match-day 23, having played against the Maori All Blacks last week. This week he was able to meet and reconnect with relatives from Nakanacagi village in Dreketi, Macuata. "It's such a cool moment with my mum being Scottish as well, so it's like a full circle moment for me to be able to bring my family together," he told FBC News. "Met a lot of my cousins that I used to see when I was younger in the village." Coach Townsend has made 14 changes to the team that beat the Maori. Scotland Rugby said Fergus Burke will make his debut. New Zealand-born Burke, who qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born grandfather, has been handed the number 10 jersey after featuring off the bench against the Maori All Blacks - a non-cap match - last Saturday. Edinburgh Rugby lock Marshall Sykes is the sole survivor from the tour opener in Whangarei as a host of experienced players return. Flying Fijians: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Sireli Maqala, 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 15. Salesi Rayasi; Bench: 16. Samuel Matavesi, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Sam Wye, 22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23. Vilimoni Botitu. Scotland: 1. Kyle Rowe, 2. Darcy Graham, 3. Cameron Redpath, 4. Tom Jordan, 5. Kyle Steyn, 6. Fergus Burke, 7. Jamie Dobie; 8. Rory Sutherland, 9. Ewan Ashman, 10. Elliot Millar Mills, 11. Marshall Sykes, 12. Grant Gilchrist, 13, Jamie Ritchie, 14. Rory Darge (captain), 15. Matt Fagerson; Bench: 16. George Turner, 17. Alec Hepburn, 18. Will Hurd, 19. Max Williamson, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. George Horne, 22. Adam Hastings, 23. Ollie Smith.
ABC News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Fiji Rugby Chair keen to see the world governing body take action on refereeing, and hopeful that Australia will offer Pacific rugby more financial assistance
In the eyes of most of their fans, the Flying Fijians were robbed of victory over Australia last weekend, when a controversial refereeing decision let the Wallabies off the hook at a crucial stage of the match. So expect head coach Mick Byrne's team to be fired up when they take on Scotland on home soil in Suva. Meanwhile the chair of Fiji Rugby, John Sanday, has conceded that there is concern among the leading Pacific nations over the huge sums of money flowing into rugby league from the Australian government. However Sanday says that does not mean his union will be turning to China for financial assistance, and right now a more immediate concern is to avoid a repeat of last weekend's refereeing controversy against the Scots.
RNZ News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
From fathers to sons: Fiji rugby legacy continues against Scotland
Joeli Veitayaki, right, with son Haereiti Hetet, left, and Salesi Rayasi Photo: Facebook / Joeli Veitayaki Flying Fijians v Scotland Kickoff: 3pm Saturday, 12 July National Stadium, Suva, A former Flying Fijian captain Joeli Veitayaki is excited by the selection of his son, and the son of a former teammate, in the Fijian national team to play against Scotland this weekend. Veitayaki's son Haereiti Hetet was on the bench last week against the Wallabies, and has also been named as back-up prop for this weekend's big game at the National Stadium in Suva. Former Hurricanes player Salesi Rayasi will play his second game for the Fijians on Saturday, following his debut against the Wallabies in Sydney last Sunday. Salesi's dad Filipe played in the same Fiji teams with Veitayaki between 1994 and 1997. In Suva this week, the Whangarei-based former prop visited his son and Salesi, stating his excitement that both the players have continued the legacy he and Filipe had left behind. "I played prop for Fiji. My son Haereiti is also a prop. Filipe was a fullback and his son Salesi also plays fullback and wing. "And on top of that we both hailed from Matuku Island in Lau. I am proud to see both the boys now playing together for Fiji and playing in the positions we played in during our time with Fiji." Veitayaki, who travelled to Fiji last week, wanted to watch the two "sons of Matuku" and the Flying Fijians square-off against the touring Scots. He also visited the Fiji Rugby Union office in the capital where he met with former Flying Fijians mates Jiko Matawalu, the current FRU operations manager, Paula Biu, the current Flying Fijians manager and Viliame Gadolo, a manager with the FRU High Performance Unit. Filipe Rayasi, left, and Joeli Veitayaki in one of their Flying Fijians assignment in the '90s. Photo: Facebook / Joeli Veitayaki The 58-year-old, who also played Super Rugby for the Chiefs (1996) and the Blues (1999), as well as appearing at the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cup, said Scotland would not be an easy team to beat, despite missing some big names who are with the British and Irish Lions. But he is confident the Fijians can beat their visitors, after watching how close the team came to beating the Wallabies last weekend in Newcastle. "They just need to stick with their game plan, make sure they dominate upfront, defend strongly and let the backline utilise possession everytime they are able to," he said. "Scotland will be very physical and our boys will need to be upfront with them, pressure them on defence." While Salesi will start the match off, Hetet is expected to come off the bench in the second half. Haereiti Hetet, closest to the camera, packs down for the Fijian Drua as he makes his return to Super Rugby this weekend against Moana Pasifika. Photo: Fijian Drua Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has made just two changes to his starting lineup that [ l ost 21-18] against the Wallabies last Sunday. Prop Mesake Doge replaces Peni Ravai, while Sireli Maqala slots in for Iosefo Masi at outside centre. Two changes have also been made on the bench, with Hawkes bay halfback Sam Wye set to make his debut. Wye replaces Phillip Baselala, who also made his debut last weekend. France-based Vilimoni Botitu is the backline cover. Byrne said he expects Scotland to be physical, especially at the breakdowns, and the Fijians will need to be ready for that. He knows that because he was once an assistant coach for the Scottish national side, from 2002 to 2005. "Having coached Scotland myself, I know the Scottish players too well," he told the media in Suva "They'll come tight. They'll be a good group of players when they come together. "We need to match them on Saturday. It's going to be a great game and it's going to be worthwhile turning up to watch." He does not think the visitors will miss those who are in the British and Irish Lions team in Australia because the players have played together for a long time. The loose trio of Lekima Tagitavigalu (6), Elia Canakaivata and Viliame Mata (8) has been retained, along with the locking pair of Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua. There is a lot of speed and power in the backline, with 'The Bus' Josua Tuisova and Maqala, who have been top performers in the French Top14 competition for the last two seasons, pairing in midfield. Salesi Rayasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Kalaveti Ravouvou have also been retained as the back three. Salesi Rayasi made his debut for Fiji last week against Australia. Photo: Supplied / Fiji Rugby Union Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said that he was privileged to be back in Fiji, where he last played in 1993. That was when the former flyhalf played at the Fiji International Sevens tournament, at the National Stadium, where his warriors will face Fiji. "I feel very privileged to be here," he told reporters in Suva. "It's a unique opportunity in life, in a rugby career, to spend time in this wonderful country. When we were at the stadium, it reminded me of the first time I was here, back in 1993. "I have a love of Fijian rugby as a supporter, and then as a coach, having worked with some Fijian players in Glasgow, I've always admired the mindset that Fijian players play with and how they play the game." Scotland kicked off their New Zealand Fiji tour in Whangeri last Saturday, beating the Maori All Blacks 29-26. Both teams scored four tries apiece but the difference was Adam Hastings boots, the player converting a penalty. Fijian heritage number eight Alexander Masibaka told FBC News in Suva on Thursday he looks forward to the opportunity to play against the Flying Fijians. However, the 23 year old has been left out of the match-day 23, having played against the Maori All Blacks last week. This week he was able to meet and reconnect with relatives from Nakanacagi village in Dreketi, Macuata. "It's such a cool moment with my mum being Scottish as well, so it's like a full circle moment for me to be able to bring my family together," he told FBC News . "Met a lot of my cousins that I used to see when I was younger in the village." Coach Townsend has made 14 changes to the team that beat the Maori. Scotland Rugby said Fergus Burke will make his debut. New Zealand-born Burke, who qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born grandfather, has been handed the number 10 jersey after featuring off the bench against the Maori All Blacks - a non-cap match - last Saturday. Edinburgh Rugby lock Marshall Sykes is the sole survivor from the tour opener in Whangarei as a host of experienced players return. Flying Fijians: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Sireli Maqala, 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 15. Salesi Rayasi; Bench: 16. Samuel Matavesi, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Sam Wye, 22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23. Vilimoni Botitu. Scotland: 1. Kyle Rowe, 2. Darcy Graham, 3. Cameron Redpath, 4. Tom Jordan, 5. Kyle Steyn, 6. Fergus Burke, 7. Jamie Dobie; 8. Rory Sutherland, 9. Ewan Ashman, 10. Elliot Millar Mills, 11. Marshall Sykes, 12. Grant Gilchrist, 13, Jamie Ritchie, 14. Rory Darge (captain), 15. Matt Fagerson; Bench: 16. George Turner, 17. Alec Hepburn, 18. Will Hurd, 19. Max Williamson, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. George Horne, 22. Adam Hastings, 23. Ollie Smith.
