FRU stands by decision to part ways with Mick Byrne despite claims

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has stood by its decision to part ways with former Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne.

Chairman John Sanday said the decision, made on April 1, was not easy. He said the union had reached an agreement with the former Fijian Drua coach to part ways effective immediately.

Byrne recently told Nine.com.au that he did not resign as Flying Fijians coach and denied that health issues played any role in his departure. The 67-year-old said he had recovered from prostate cancer before joining Fiji Rugby and had been medically cleared to coach.

“FRU stands by the decision we took. It was not taken lightly,” Sanday told SUNsports when asked to respond to Byrne’s claims.

“We have also respected his request to keep things low-key and confidential. We will stick to what we agreed to.

“FRU has moved on. We have three important home games in the Pacific Nations Cup starting in about 24 days, and our focus is on providing full support to the team and officials to achieve maximum success.”

Byrne was appointed Flying Fijians head coach in April 2024 on a three-year contract due to expire in December 2027.