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RNZ News
a day 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.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Fiji Coach Doubles Down On Claim NZ Rugby Contracts Restrict Players From Representing Pacific Nations
Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has told RNZ Pacific that New Zealand-based players of Pacific Island heritage have signed letters of agreement attached to their contracts, which bar them from playing for teams other than the All Blacks. In an exclusive interview with RNZ Pacific, Byrne said that while New Zealand Rugby has publicly stated that players contracted to NZ-based Super Rugby clubs are free to choose which national team they want to represent, he has been told otherwise. This follows comments he made in June, stating that some players of Fijian heritage playing Super Rugby Pacific in New Zealand have been unable to play for Fiji because their contracts ban them from doing so. Byrne claims he has spoken to some player agents who confirmed that there is an agreement players sign, and these are attached to their contracts. "I know New Zealand Rugby came out and said they're not contracted; well to the letter of the law, they're probably not, but they have a letter attached to their contract that they signed that they can't play," Byrne said. "At the moment, I'm trying to chase down a couple of players. Since we spoke, a couple of the players have been taken into wider training squads, but there's still a couple of players there that I'd like to talk to, but we still need to get their approval. "I know New Zealand Rugby said I was wrong, but I've done some investigations and spoken with agents, and they've told me that the players actually signed a letter attached to their contract, and there's a little bit more to it. "I'd actually like to get some more details. I'm investigating and trying to find out exactly where we're at." However, he said there is light at the end of the tunnel, as there is a process that can be followed to get players released from their current arrangements while still honouring their player contracts. "But my understanding is I can't just say if a player wants to play for Fiji. I can't just sign him and get him to play. "I have to go through a process to get him cleared to be released from current letter of arrangement that New Zealand Rugby have with these players." Last month, a New Zealand Rugby spokesperson told RNZ Pacific that, while the they could not comment on individual players, the union was clear on what it can do, including offering contracts to up to three players who may not opt to play for New Zealand. Responding to Byrne's claims on Monday, New Zealand Rugby maintained that players have the freedom to choose which national union pathway they wish to pursue and that is declared at the time they sign their contracts. "NZR's five Super Rugby Pacific clubs have the ability to contract up to three 'non-NZ eligible players' who have already played internationally (including for Pacific Island nations Samoa, Tonga or Fiji) or who have declared their intent to play internationally for a non-NZ national team at international level and therefore not make themselves eligible for NZ national teams. "All other players contracted to NZR's five Super Rugby clubs have declared their availability and intention to represent NZ national teams over the duration of their contract." Byrne is interested to discuss options with Blues' Hoskins Sotutu, Crusaders' George Bower and Highlanders pair Jona Nareki and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Former All Black Sotutu will be eligible to play for Fiji this year and is also eligible for England through his mother. Bower, who was also going to be eligible to play for Fiji this year, has since been recalled into the All Blacks by head coach Scot Robertson, and is named on the bench for Saturday's third Test against France in Hamilton. Both Nareki and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens are currently contracted to the Highlanders and have both indicated their willingness to play for Fiji. Byrne said he will continue to pursue the issue and hopes to have some positive news soon. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in 24 months, the Fiji head coach is hopeful he will be able to use some of the New Zealand-based players during the 2026 build-up campaign.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Fiji coach doubles down on claim NZ Rugby contracts restrict players from representing Pacific nations
Byrne claims he has spoken to some player agents who confirmed that there is an agreement players sign, and these are attached to their contracts. Photo: Fiji Rugby Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has told RNZ Pacific that New Zealand-based players of Pacific Island heritage have signed letters of agreement attached to their contracts, which bar them from playing for teams other than the All Blacks. In an exclusive interview with RNZ Pacific, Byrne said that while New Zealand Rugby has publicly stated that players contracted to NZ-based Super Rugby clubs are free to choose which national team they want to represent, he has been told otherwise. This follows comments he made in June, stating that some players of Fijian heritage playing Super Rugby Pacific in New Zealand have been unable to play for Fiji because their contracts ban them from doing so. Byrne claims he has spoken to some player agents who confirmed that there is an agreement players sign, and these are attached to their contracts. "I know New Zealand Rugby came out and said they're not contracted; well to the letter of the law, they're probably not, but they have a letter attached to their contract that they signed that they can't play," Byrne said. "At the moment, I'm trying to chase down a couple of players. Since we spoke, a couple of the players have been taken into wider training squads, but there's still a couple of players there that I'd like to talk to, but we still need to get their approval. "I know New Zealand Rugby said I was wrong, but I've done some investigations and spoken with agents, and they've told me that the players actually signed a letter attached to their contract, and there's a little bit more to it. "I'd actually like to get some more details. I'm investigating and trying to find out exactly where we're at." NZ Rugby Photo: Photosport However, he said there is light at the end of the tunnel, as there is a process that can be followed to get players released from their current arrangements while still honouring their player contracts. "But my understanding is I can't just say if a player wants to play for Fiji. I can't just sign him and get him to play. "I have to go through a process to get him cleared to be released from current letter of arrangement that New Zealand Rugby have with these players." Last month, a New Zealand Rugby spokesperson told RNZ Pacific that, while the they could not comment on individual players, the union was clear on what it can do, including offering contracts to up to three players who may not opt to play for New Zealand. Responding to Byrne's claims, New Zealand Rugby maintained that players have the freedom to choose which national union pathway they wish to pursue and that is declared at the time they sign their contracts. "NZR's five Super Rugby Pacific clubs have the ability to contract up to three 'non-NZ eligible players' who have already played internationally (including for Pacific Island nations Samoa, Tonga or Fiji) or who have declared their intent to play internationally for a non-NZ national team at international level and therefore not make themselves eligible for NZ national teams. "All other players contracted to NZR's five Super Rugby clubs have declared their availability and intention to represent NZ national teams over the duration of their contract." Byrne is interested to discuss options with Blues' Hoskins Sotutu, Crusaders' George Bower and Highlanders pair Jona Nareki and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Former All Black Sotutu will be eligible to play for Fiji this year and is also eligible for England through his mother. Bower, who was also going to be eligible to play for Fiji this year, has since been recalled into the All Blacks by head coach Scot Robertson, and is named on the bench for Saturday's third Test against France in Hamilton. Both Nareki and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens are currently contracted to the Highlanders and have both indicated their willingness to play for Fiji. Byrne said he will continue to pursue the issue and hopes to have some positive news soon. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in 24 months, the Fiji head coach is hopeful he will be able to use some of the New Zealand-based players during the 2026 build-up campaign.
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.
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.
