Newly-elected Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne is looking forward to working with the team when it finally assembles in the future.
The 62-year-old said he was eager to coach the Drua outfit to lay out his bigger season plans.
“Our expectations is to play exciting rugby,” he said.
“To be the first coach to assist the age-grade players and give them a real goal of being able to play for their own Super Rugby team or international team is very satisfying for me.
“It’s a great opportunity to create a pathway for all the young rugby players in Fiji.
“I have coached some talented Fijian rugby players such as Marika Koroibete and Simon Raiwalui and I am looking forward to a successful debut Super Rugby Pacific season.”
Byrne said he was excited to be involved in shaping a new wave of rugby talents nurtured locally.
“The pressure is always there but for us it’s about finding the opportunities for players to come together and enjoy the rugby as a team.
“We will be focusing on our performances and ensure the players are at ease with themselves.
“The Drua gives them the pathway to play Super Rugby and in time some of those players, who have made big names for themselves overseas will be making big names for themselves with the Drua.
“The players have been given an opportunity to play for the Drua including the young players coming through and I am really excited of what those talents will bring to the team.
“In time it’s going to match up very very well.
“I just can’t wait to get on the training field with all of them as soon as we can in November.”
Byrne was elected as the Fijian Drua coach on a two-year stint.
Meanwhile, the Fijian Drua would be based in Australia for its inaugural 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season and begin pre-season training from November 1 in Queensland.
