FRU refutes French media claims of coaching talks

The Fiji Rugby Union has refuted claims made by two prominent French newspapers that a Fiji delegation had approached a top French coach to take over from Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne. 

Speaking to SUNsports from France last night, FRU board chairman John Sanday said this was news to him. 

“I can confirm that the FRU delegation I am leading here, have not held any meetings as claimed and that topic has never been raised as an agenda item,” he said. 

Accompanying Sanday in Paris is FRU acting chief executive officer Koli Sewabu 

The Flying Fijians current head coach is Mick Byrne with Aaron Mauger, Graham Dewes and Seremaia Bai as the assistant coaches. 

French newspaper Le’Equipe, reported that the French coach that was apporached is Aviron Bayonnais (Bayonne) director of rugby Laurent Travers. He has coached Top 14 clubs like ASM Clermont Auvergne, US Montauban, Castres Olympique and Racing 92. 

The newspaper reported that Travers had been in contact with members of the Fiji delegation for the past few days. 

The report raised a question on whether Travers could be heading to Fiji. 

This was because he had just arrived in Bayonne on a four-year contract. Travers had left Racing 92 where he was the head coach (2013- 2023) then president (2023-2025). He is now the director of rugby at Aviron Bayonnais, currently fifth in the Top 14 standings after nine rounds. 

Laurent Travers.

“Several sources have indicated to us, Travers (57-years-old) was recently approached by members of the Fijian delegation who would like to appoint a French coach, given that many of their international players play in Europe, and more specifically in the French championship. 

“Contacts have been established between the two parties in recent days, while the current Flying Fijians head coach in Australian Mick Byrne,” stated the report. 

When contacted by L’Equipe on Wednesday, Tarver did not respond to their requests. 

Flying Fijians centre Sireli Maqala along with tighthead prop Luke Tagi play for Bayonne while Selestino Ravutaumada, Josua Tuisova, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Wame Naituvi and Vinaya Habosi play for Racing 92. 

A similar report was published by another French media Ouest France. 

Meanwhile, Stade Rochelais scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec, who injured his thigh on Tuesday during training in Marcoussis and will no longer be able to play with the French national team. 

Baptiste Erdocio another starter from Sunday’s match against South Africa, has been ruled out of this weekend’s game against Fiji. The La Rochelle halfback had to cut short his training session on Tuesday afternoon in Marcoussis due to a thigh injury. 

From the training session Bordeaux’s Maxime Lucu is expected to start against Fiji. 

The Match 23 squad will be announced today by the France head coach Fabien Galthié.