Fiji Rugby Coach Byrne Steps Down, Seruvakula Interim

The Fiji Rugby Union announced on Wednesday that head coach Mick Byrne has stepped down from his role with the national men's team, effective immediately, following discussions about the program's future direction. Senirusi Seruvakula, a former test flanker and current coach of the Fiji women's team, has been appointed as interim head coach to guide the side through upcoming international matches.

Byrne, a 67-year-old Australian who transitioned from a career in Australian Rules football to rugby coaching, joined the Fiji setup in 2024 after three seasons leading the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific. His five-year involvement with Fijian rugby included stints with the Drua and the national team, known as the Flying Fijians. Under his leadership, Fiji secured two consecutive Pacific Nations Cup titles and climbed to ninth in the world rankings. The team also reached the quarterfinals at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, marking their third appearance at that stage, highlighted by a pool-stage upset victory over Australia.

The departure came by mutual agreement, as both parties determined it was in the best interests of Fiji rugby to part ways. "Following discussions about the...