The Fiji Rugby Union stands by its decision to part ways with former FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne and will honour the agreement reached between both parties.
Fiji Rugby Chair John Sanday stated this in response to Byrne's comments to overseas media regarding his departure.
In an interview with overseas media, Byrne had stated that he did not resign, and he does not have any ongoing health issues.
The former Flying Fijians coach says it has challenged him around future earnings, and he does not want to harp on it too much because it just fuels a bit of that fire, and he wants to continue working.
Byrne says he was removed from his role so that Fiji Rugby could move in a new direction.
In their April 1st release, Fiji Rugby had said following discussions about the future direction of the Flying Fijians program, both parties concluded that it is in the best interest of Fiji Rugby to part ways.
Fiji Rugby CEO, Koli Sewabu said that Byrne has been fully committed to his role and remains dedicated to the players and staff.
Sewabu says out of respect for the team and to ensure the program can continue to the new direction that Fiji Rugby has set for the future, Byrne and Fiji Rugby had agreed to part ways so FRU can move forward.
The Fiji Rugby Union extends its deepest gratitude to Byrne as they announce his departure from the organization.
Sanday says the decision was not taken lightly and they had respected Byrne's request to keep the matter low-key and confidential.
He says they will stick to what was agreed and are now focused on the future.
The Chair says their attention is on the upcoming Nations Championship campaign, with three home matches scheduled to begin in about 24 days, and their priority is providing full support to the team and management to achieve the best possible results.
He also revealed that several positive announcements will be made over the next week.
Sanday says they are focused on moving forward and leaving the past behind, while wishing Byrne all the best for the future.
Fiji will begin its inaugural Nations Championship campaign against Wales on 5th July at 1.10am, before taking on England on 12th July at 1.10am and Scotland on 19th July also at 1.10am during the Southern Hemisphere series.
