Fiji’s November Tour: Byrne Aims to Challenge Rugby Powerhouses in High-Stakes Test Matches
Head coach Mick Byrne views the upcoming Test matches as vital opportunities for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians to gauge their current progress and to challenge teams ranked higher on the international stage. He acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead, especially with top-tier teams like Ireland and South Africa in the mix.
“We know it’s going to be a big challenge,” Byrne said. “Ireland is either the number one team or close to the top, and South Africa is dominating everyone in the Southern Hemisphere. Ireland also beat them in the July series, so we’re expecting a tough contest there.”
Byrne emphasized that the Fijians are taking each match seriously, with the primary aim of winning every game while simultaneously preparing for the future. The tests will help the Flying Fijians identify areas for improvement, especially as they set their sights on the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
As part of their November tour, Fiji will first face Scotland on November 2nd, followed by a clash against Wales on November 10th. The date for their fixture against Spain is still to be confirmed, and the tour will conclude on November 23rd with a highly anticipated match against Ireland. This challenging lineup promises to provide critical insights into Fiji’s strengths and areas for development.