Why the buck stops with Byrne?

The Flying Fijians build-up to the Rugby World Cup 2027 will not be an easy journey.

Already, head coach Mick Byrne is feeling the heat after announcing the 32-member squad for the November Test matches in Europe, last Thursday.

Armchair critics have took to social media, expressing their disappointment that certain players of their liking have not made the squad. Also, these critics have raised their concern on the selection of a couple of players who are under the injury cloud.

It’s these critics right to express their views, if they are not happy with the selection. However, they must realise that the buck stops with the head coach.

This is because at the end of the day, Byrne will be answerable to the Fiji Rugby Union whether the Flying Fijians perform or not. Not the critics.

Surely, Byrne and his co-coaches have done their homework in assessing all the players including those that are under injury rehab.

They are in the best position to decide on the selection with the head coach having the final say.

For now, the focus is towards the RWC 2027 in Australia. For Byrne and his co-coaches the task at hand is to build depth in every position so when it comes to the RWC, they can select the strongest possible team.

For the 32 players selected, it’s even much tougher for them because they need to perform to their level best to stay in the running for further selection. They simply cannot rest on their laurels and say they’re going to play at the RWC. It’s all about blood, sweat and tears.

For those players who have missed out, it’s not the end of the road. They have to continue training hard, play to their best and stay patient. Their time for selection will come if only they continue to knock on the door.

So, let’s keep our focus on the big picture and continue backing the Flying Fijians in their Test match against England in Twickenham on November 8, then against France in Bordeaux on November 15 and Spain on November 22.