Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne says he has followed and always admired the way Fijian teams play throughout his coaching career.
He says it’s a style of play that puts the joy of rugby at its core and he is excited to help the club showcase this to the world when the new Super Rugby season starts.
Byrne says no one is under any illusions that it will be easy and they understand the challenges ahead of them in this first season, being based away from home.
He adds within that challenges lies the opportunity to grow stronger as a team and a Club.
The former All Black Assistant coach says it will be hard work in the first two seasons but the journey will be rewarding and enjoyable.
Bryne says he is looking forward to working with Nacanieli Cawanibuka and the other coaching and management staff to get the squad ready to meet the standards required for top-level rugby week in, week out.
He further says Super Rugby is the most demanding and most expansive competition where it will require massive fitness, skill and conditioning commitment from everyone and Cawanibuka’s unique insights and proven ability at the elite level will be invaluable to the team.
Super Rugby Pacific will kick off on 18th February next year. The Drua will be joined by the Crusaders, Blues, Chiefs, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Melbourne Rebels, Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Western Force and the Moana Pasifika.
Each team will play 14 regular season matches with every side hosting seven matches.
There will be one points table with teams ranked one to 12 based on competition points.
The top eight teams on the points table will qualify for a three-week playoff format.
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