Bryne had to go: Sanday

The departure of former Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne was part of the Fiji Rugby Union's (FRU) restructuring process.

Speaking to SUNsports on Friday, FRU board chairman John Sanday said the restructure was introduced by the new board.

"We want to rebuild FRU into a fit-for-purpose, focused organisation that can consistently beat Tier One teams and become a financial and commercial success," he said.

"Change is always painful. Some people will be affected, but change must happen. FRU is in the process of being renewed and rebuilt. When a retirement plan is cut short, you can imagine why people react the way they do."

Sanday said the board was making decisions based on the information available and in the best interests of Fiji Rugby.

"We do not focus on personalities but on objectives, targets and how to achieve them. Fiji Rugby is bigger than any individual.

"I didn't come into this role seeking popularity. I have to make tough decisions which, in my view, are in the best interests of Fiji Rugby."

Payout agreement

Sanday said negotiations with Byrne resulted in an agreement on a payout package, which he described as a "handsome" amount to be paid over a period of time.

"He insisted on confidentiality, so we reached a Deed of Agreement which made confidentiality a central part of the arrangement," he said.

"Once both parties agreed, we paid a substantial lump sum upfront. At Byrne's request, we also agreed to cover his relocation costs back to Australia."

Sanday said FRU also offered Byrne an opportunity to remain involved in Fiji Rugby through coach development programmes and work with provincial unions.

"I don't understand why he is doing this, knowing full well he is breaching the deed we agreed to," he said.

"We have continued to make payments according to the mutually agreed timeline without default. Given the alleged breach, we have to reconsider all the obligations we agreed to."

Sanday alleged Byrne's actions could undermine the current Flying Fijians coaching team, which is preparing for its opening Nations Championship match in three weeks.

He said revenue generated from Fiji's three Nations Championship matches in Europe had been earmarked for facility development and investment in member unions for the benefit of men's and women's rugby.

"If he had any issues, he was supposed to pursue them through the channels outlined in the legal arrangements governing the separation.

"That he chose to go to the media in Australia at this crucial time simply reinforces why the separation was necessary."

'Case closed'

Sanday said he and his fellow board members volunteered to serve on the FRU board because they believed they could contribute to the organisation's future.

"I know who I am and what I can do. I know what I am good at and what I am not so good at.

"I have a world-class board and we are open and transparent with everything we do. We keep each other accountable. That's the boardroom culture I demand."

Sanday said his experience representing Fiji, including at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, had helped shape his vision for the game.

"The board has a 10-year strategic plan and we are shaping it in real time to help get Fiji Rugby to the top of world rugby. That is the structure I have been talking about."

"Unlike Mick Byrne, who enjoyed a very healthy salary, my board members and I are unpaid. We share a common goal — building a winning team and a strong organisational culture."

Sanday said the decision regarding Byrne was final.

"We have all moved on. Case closed. We need to focus on the future and what is possible.

"As an employer, we have every right to review anyone's job performance according to the strategic plan we have in place. No one is indispensable."