Byrne indicated that his vision for the squad could be a split of European based-players and the Fijian Drua players.
Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne.
Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne will have a tough time to finalise his squad for the July Test matches and the Pacific Nations Cup.
This was after our Europe-based players put on sterling performance for their respective clubs over the weekend.
Leading the charge were Bristol Bears duo of veteran No.8 Viliame Mata and centre Kalaveti Ravouvou as they walloped Bath 36-14 in the Gallagher Premiership. Mata scored a spectacular try while they (with Ravouvou) made big hits as well.
Loosehead prop Eroni Mawi started for Saracens as they thrashed Newcastle Falcons 75-28.
In the French Top 14 competition, the new centre partnership of Josua Tuisova and Vinaya Habosi is doing wonders for Racing 92 as they held Bayonne 24-24 in a thriller. Tuisova was at his best scoring a try after coming back from a yellow card.
Also impressive are wingers Wame Naituvi of Racing 92 and Peniasi Dakuwaqa of Stade Francais who had their names on the try sheet.
Byrne said currently he is in the process of selecting the extended squad for the Test against the Wallabies in Newcastle, Australia, on July 6.
“We’re just finalising positions really, who’s available, injuries. I think Frank (Lomani), he’s probably would not be available, since he is recovering surgery,” he said.
“We just needed to have another look; we are probably a week away from being in a position to have a squad that we’re pretty confident will make it through the Australia game and we can work from there.”
Byrne indicated that his vision for the squad could be a split of European based-players and the Fijian Drua players.
“We’ll continue to work this week around the Northern Hemisphere players as their season is coming to an end,” he said.
Bristol Bears and Flying Fijians No.8 Viliame Mata dives over to score a try against Bath in their Gallagher Premiership clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on May 10, 2025. Photo: Planet Rugby
Byrne said they were fortunate to get a bye week in the opening round of the PNC competition from August 22 to September 20.
“We’ve got Tonga in Suva then we got Samoa in Rotorua it’s not a bad travel programme for us,” he said.
“I think they (Fijian Drua) have done well, individually some players have really stood up.
“I think Tevita Ikanivere every time he comes on the field, he changes the shape of the game, so I’ve been really impressed with his contribution.”
Byrne said he was impressed with the performances of rookies Motikiai Murray and Ponipate Loganimasi.
“He (Loganimasi) has some really outstanding moments in Super Rugby Pacific, Stino (Selestino Ravutaumada) looks really solid. All these boys have done well,” he said.
“I’ve been impressed with Etonia Waqa, at times he’s got a little loose around the field when I mean loose little bit space around him, he looks lightning.”
Byrne said Waqa has also been solid in contact in terms of breaking tackles.
“I really like the way he is playing, he’s very reliable in the lineout defence as well,” Byrne said.
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