The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians failed to achieve what they had set to do at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This was revealed by head coach John McKee during a press conference after their 17-29 loss to Wales on Wednesday night.

“We really came here with high aspirations,” he said when asked about their past four-year journey.

With Fiji’s last trip to the quarterfinals in 2007 growing ever more distant, McKee was disappointed they had failed to reach the knockouts for a third successive World Cup.

“That was one of our objectives and we haven’t achieved that and we’re disappointed. Having said that, the World Cup is a competitive environment and it’s very difficult to progress from the pool stages for any team. We can go away from this tournament with our heads held high.”

CONTRACT EXPIRES?

It is also understood that McKee’s contract as head coach of the Flying Fijians expires after the World Cup. The head coach signed his contract with Fiji Rugby Union in 2017, which was the extension to the 2019 RWC.

There have been calls made on social media by Fijians fans for a new coach. McKee coached the Flying Fijians to the 2015 RWC where they recorded a win and three losses. At this year’s World Cup, they attained the same result, but what was disappointing is the 27-30 loss to minnows Uruguay.

CONSOLATION

For consolation, the Flying Fijians have finished third in Pool D with two pool games remaining to qualify directly to the 2023 World Cup.

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